Spotlights

DANA BOSTIC

Dana Bostic is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences. As a nationally certified medical laboratory scientist, Bostic’s areas of expertise include infectious disease testing, immunohematology, learning and development, interprofessional education, diversity awareness and health care simulation. Her teaching responsibilities include immunohematology, phlebotomy, advanced laboratory operations, interprofessional education and health care simulation activities. In 2016, Bostic was awarded as an American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) 40-Under-40 Top Five Honoree in recognition of contributions made to the laboratory profession. In 2019, she received the ASCP Member Excellence in Education Award in addition to being named as a 40-Under-40 honoree by her undergraduate alma mater, Georgia Southern University. Bostic has been highlighted by other professional organizations, such as AABB and ASCLS, for her voluntary contributions in serving on various committees and task forces in promoting the clinical laboratory science profession. Currently, Bostic serves on the ASCP Council of Laboratory Professionals.

Bostic earned her bachelor’s degree in medical technology from Georgia Southern University. In 2012, she completed a master’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in human resource management. Bostic obtained a master’s degree in health care simulation from the University of San Francisco. She is actively pursuing her doctorate of education degree in curriculum and instruction.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
Oxnard, California

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES?
Cooking, baking and spending time with family and friends

WHAT OR WHO INSPIRES/MOTIVATES YOU?
I am inspired daily by God, my family, my friends and my students. I find myself inspired by those who are truly passionate about their craft and dedicated to a cause.

WHAT DO YOU APPRECIATE MOST ABOUT KU MEDICAL CENTER?
The opportunity to be innovative and to share curiosity with those like-minded across health care professions.

PAMELA BRAXTON DAVIS, M.D.

Dr. Pamela Braxton Davis was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, where she learned the value of education, teamwork, having fun and making lasting friendships at a very early age.

Her original dream was to become an astronaut, influencing her decision to earn a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering at the University of Michigan. After designing the aerodynamics of the AMRAAM and WASP missiles at Hughes Aircraft in Canoga Park, California, for one and a half years, Dr. Davis's career path changed with her acceptance into Howard University College of Medicine in Washington D.C. She devoted her career to land-based applications of science, deciding to complete a residency in radiology where she could utilize both her medical and engineering education.

Dr. Davis met her husband of 33 years, Trent Davis, M.D., at Howard University College of Medicine. They live in Salina, Kansas, where she works as a partner with United Radiology Group. Since their children have grown up she and her husband have opened their home to several lost and troubled souls, helping them to restore their faith and find joy and purpose in their lives through spiritual guidance, education and love.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
Los Angeles, California

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES?
Singing in the choir at our church and hanging out with my family, singing karaoke and watching
Hallmark movies with my husband.

WHAT OR WHO INSPIRES/MOTIVATES YOU?
My faith in God is my number one motivator. My family also inspires and motivates me to be the very best I can be.

WHAT DO YOU APPRECIATE MOST ABOUT KU MEDICAL CENTER?
I appreciate that KU Medical Center is dedicated and devoted to community service and inclusiveness of all in its health care mission.

MARLANA DICKERSON

Marlana Dickerson is a human resources business partner in the Office of Human Resources at KU Medical Center. Dickerson partners with business units and schools to advise them on various aspects of employment including employee relations, recruitment and selection, performance management, organizational development and other HR-related areas.

She earned a bachelor's degree in computer information systems from Lincoln University in Missouri. While finishing her undergraduate degree, Lincoln introduced a new human resources major, and Dickerson discovered that her true passion was cultivating the employer-employee relationship within an organization. She earned her master's degree in human resources management and business at Webster University. During her time at Lincoln, Dickerson also joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she has been involved with community service projects such as food and clothing donation drives, feeding the homeless and adopt-a-family.

In addition, Dickerson is very passionate about employee coaching and HR consulting. In her spare time, she advises friends and family on resume writing and career coaching.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
Kansas City, Missouri

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES?
HR blogging, spending time with family and assisting friends and family with party/event planning.

WHAT OR WHO INSPIRES/MOTIVATES YOU?
My three children motivate and inspire me to be better than I was the day before. My husband is also my biggest cheerleader!

WHAT DO YOU APPRECIATE MOST ABOUT KU MEDICAL CENTER?
In my role, I get great satisfaction that I can make a difference here at KU Medical Center.

DIANE MAHONEY, PH.D., DNP, APRN

Dr. Diane Mahoney is an assistant professor in the KU School of Nursing. She teaches courses in the doctor of nursing practice and doctor of philosophy in nursing programs of study. She is a certified women's health care and family nurse practitioner and holds a certificate in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Nursing.

Dr. Mahoney received her bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing at the University of Kansas. She earned a doctoral degree in nursing practice and a doctor of philosophy in nursing from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

As a clinician, she has provided health services to diverse populations throughout the life span. Her research interests are ovarian cancer, female infertility, precision health and social determinates of health. She has worked in a variety of health care settings as an advanced practice nurse. As a researcher, she endeavors to generate innovative discoveries that will transform clinical practice and improve the health care outcomes of diverse women.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
Kansas City, Kansas

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES?
I enjoy reading, playing trivia games, gardening, attending the ballet and participating in physical exercise and activities.

WHAT OR WHO INSPIRES/MOTIVATES YOU?
I am inspired by my remarkable family, particularly my mother who has been my strongest role model. I am motivated to inspire others to succeed.

WHAT DO YOU APPRECIATE MOST ABOUT KU MEDICAL CENTER?
The overwhelming support and appreciation for diversity and professional growth of students, faculty and staff.

JERRIHLYN L. MCGEE, DNP, RN, CNE

Dr. Jerrihlyn L. McGee is a nurse and the new vice chancellor for diversity, equity and inclusion KU Medical Center. Dr. McGee earned her first bachelor's degree from Xavier University, and her second bachelor's, a master's and a doctorate from the KU School of Nursing. With significant history of leadership in the practice and academic settings, Dr. McGee has led sustainable change by helping improve patient outcomes, increasing staff satisfaction scores and developing courses and programs.

Dr. McGee's scholarly works have focused on civility, healthy work environment, cultural competency, underrepresented students' perceptions of nursing as a career, perceptions of health in urban settings and educational equity. These inquiries have afforded her opportunities to present locally and nationally and facilitate seminars and workshops about fostering healthy work environments, bullying, unconscious bias, microaggressions and emotional intelligence.

Dr. McGee's community work in the greater Kansas City area is extensive, ranging from coordinating and participating in community health events, to professional development initiatives and serving as a board of director for the REACH Healthcare Foundation. Dr. McGee is listed as an author in the 2019 State of Black Kansas City report.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
Kansas City, Kansas

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES?
Enjoying brunch on Sunday's after church service; checking out the latest movies; conversations of discovery with my mentors and coaches; mentoring others; and vacationing with my husband.

WHAT OR WHO INSPIRES/MOTIVATES YOU?
My greatest inspiration is Jesus Christ. I am inspired by my grandmother who taught for Kansas City Kansas Public Schools for over 50 years. I am also motivated by the opportunity to facilitate change and driven to leave a legacy.

WHAT DO YOU APPRECIATE MOST ABOUT KU MEDICAL CENTER?
The sense of pride among the employees and students. I also appreciate the commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

SAMUEL OFEI-DODOO, PH.D., MPA, MA, CPH

Dr. Samuel Ofei-Dodoo is an assistant professor and researcher with the Department of Family and Community Medicine. He is a health psychologist and holds degrees in cross-disciplinary fields including graduate certificates in public health and nonprofit management. He is involved in graduate medical education at University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita and has received outstanding reviews from fellow faculty members, residents and students. He is the recipient of the 2008 Lee Holder award of Excellence in Graduate Education from the Alpha Eta National Allied Health Society.

Dr. Ofei-Dodoo's research is community-oriented and focuses on how effective programs impact the needs and abilities of people of all ages. More recently his research has included projects focused on translational research in clinical setting, including patients and provider behaviors and communication, physicians and nonphysicians well-being, and medical learners' professional development.

He is an editorial board member of the American Journal of Family Medicine and the Journal of Psychological Sciences. He is also a reviewer of the Kansas Journal of Medicine. He has authored or coauthored several peer-reviewed papers and a book. He is a regular presenter at local, national and international conferences.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
A small city in Ghana called Dunkwa-on-Offin

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES?
I love playing with our son, Jonathan. I also love jogging within our neighborhood with my family.

WHAT OR WHO INSPIRES/MOTIVATES YOU?
I'm inspired by my late mother who understood the importance of education and did all she could to educate me. She sacrificed emotionally and financially to ensure I have a comfortable life.

WHAT DO YOU APPRECIATE MOST ABOUT KU MEDICAL CENTER?
People here genuinely care about each other's well-being. I have a group of mentors who have been instrumental to my success here.

MICHELLE REDMOND, PH.D.

Dr. Michelle Redmond is an assistant professor in the Department of Population Health at the KU School of Medicine-Wichita. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Fisk University and a master's degree in clinical psychology from Emporia State University. She received her doctorate in community psychology from Wichita State University in 2006. She then went on to complete postdoctoral training at the University of Michigan with the Program for Research on Black Americans and the Substance Abuse Research Center.

Dr. Redmond's primary research addresses health disparities among underserved populations, food security/chronic disease, racial/ethnic minority populations, women's health issues and mHealth interventions. She completed a study that examined physical activity, nutritional behaviors and self-efficacy in older African American women at-risk for peripheral arterial disease.

In 2018, Dr. Redmond was the first grantee on the Wichita campus to be awarded a peer-reviewed K01 career development award from the National Institutes of Health. The project focuses on delivering a web-based problem-solving self-management program to African Americans with Type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Redmond has experience conducting community-based research, program evaluation and quantitative/qualitative research. She also teaches courses in the Master of Public Health program.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
Wichita, Kansas

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES?
Playing the violin, crafts and gardening

WHAT OR WHO INSPIRES/MOTIVATES YOU?
My parents inspire and motivate me. They are a great support. Also, several mentors I've had along the way like Dr. Carol Horton at Fisk University and Dr. Rhonda Lewis from my graduate program.

WHAT DO YOU APPRECIATE MOST ABOUT KU MEDICAL CENTER?
What I appreciate most about KU Medical Center is its strong research community which allows me to find great collaborators and mentors. I also appreciate my academic department - population health - which has afforded me great opportunities to grow my academic career.

LYNETTE SPARKMAN-BARNES, PSY.D.

Dr. Lynette Sparkman-Barnes earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Northwestern University and a Psy.D. in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Chicago. She completed her post-doctoral work in West Virginia.

She has devoted her career to a personal and professional commitment of working with underrepresented and underserved populations. She has served in a variety of settings including universities, community mental health agencies, K-12 school-based mental health organizations, hospitals and private practice (embedded within physician group practice). Through her work she has impacted systems as a clinician, faculty member, program and administrative leader and as an overall change agent.

Dr. Sparkman-Barnes presents nationally and internationally in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion, social justice, general mental health topics and the interface of psychology and theology. She has received awards for her efforts at promoting and advancing the cause of multiculturalism and inclusivity.

She also is an ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and co-pastors, alongside her husband, a wonderful congregation in Kansas City, Kansas. In addition to her work as a psychologist and clergyperson, she is very active in the community, serving on boards of agencies that are committed to systemic social and restorative justice, health equity, multi-culturalism and deliberate inclusivity.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
I was born in Gary, Indiana, and grew up in Kansas City, Kansas.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES?
Theater, cooking and reading

WHAT OR WHO INSPIRES/MOTIVATES YOU?
My faith inspires me, my husband and my children inspire me, my parents and my sisters inspire me, my friends inspire me. I am blessed to be surrounded by a strong support system that models integrity and persistence, that pushes me to go beyond my best and accept any challenge and that can be honest with me about finding time to rest and not take myself so seriously.

WHAT DO YOU APPRECIATE MOST ABOUT KU MEDICAL CENTER?
I appreciate that KU Medical Center has courage to take chances, to make mistakes and to work to make it right.

DEANA L. WILHOITE, MSN, RN

Deana Wilhoite received her bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Kansas in May 2000. After graduation, she volunteered for three months at an orphanage in Carrefour, Haiti. It was here she learned "Back to Basics" in providing care with strained and limited resources. She began work as a sta. nurse at Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics in Kansas City, Missouri, in December 2000. At Children's Mercy, she worked in a variety of roles and departments including acute care, emergency care, infusion therapy, school nursing of special developmental needs and pediatric primary care.

She earned her master's degree in nursing and health professions educator certificate and joined the faculty at the KU School of Nursing in all three of its undergraduate programs - traditional BSN, RN-BSN and the Community College Nursing Partnership program. Currently, she teaches courses related to professional development, communication, population health and leadership.

Wilhoite enjoys engaging with students and fostering their success inside and outside the classroom. She continues to champion student overall well-being and self-care through research, program development and content development in her course.

She is passionate about public health and public health policies. Some of her focus areas include access to healthy foods for rural and urban communities, racism and health outcomes and community violence prevention with an emphasis on intimate partner violence.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
Paola, Kansas

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES?
I love to garden, and I love reading. Also, I don't know if this is a hobby - I love to do and participate in trivia games!

WHAT OR WHO INSPIRES/MOTIVATES YOU?
Definitely my mother. I followed in her footsteps of becoming a nurse and an instructor. She is my hero and has been influential in my life in so many ways.

WHAT DO YOU APPRECIATE MOST ABOUT KU MEDICAL CENTER?
The amazing support from my peers and leaders and the encouragement they provide as I continue to grow as a nurse and as a faculty member. I love that there are countless opportunities to foster new ideas and growth.