FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

 

For more information, contact:

Elizabeth Maynard-Garrett, APR

UTHSC Communications and Marketing

(901) 448-4957, or

 

Anne W. Manning

(901) 448-4072

 

UTHSC RESEARCH AND PATIENT CARE ENHANCED THANKS TO FEDEX GIFT

 

            Memphis, Tennessee (November 15, 2005) – FedEx Corporation has contributed $250,000 to the University of Tennessee Hamilton Eye Institute and $250,000 to the University of Tennessee Cancer Institute. Both recipients, part of the UT Health Science Center (UTHSC) College of Medicine, will receive the gifts over the next three years.

The Hamilton Eye Institute funds will be used primarily for construction costs and clinical equipment for the new adult eye clinic, which celebrated its grand opening in September.  “Thanks to this significant gift, we will be able to help patients with complex and unique eye diseases, as well as provide state-of-the-art specialty clinics for glaucoma and oncology patients,” said UT Hamilton Professor and chair of the Department of Ophthalmology, Barrett G. Haik, MD. Consistently ranked in the nation’s top ten for clinical care, the Hamilton Eye Institute is the only university eye center providing an advanced level of vision care within a 200-mile radius of Memphis.

The UT Cancer Institute will direct its funds toward specialized equipment, training materials, educational tools and research opportunities.  “We plan to offer more tailored learning opportunities for our students and to purchase advanced technological equipment that will enhance teaching,” said Reed Baskin, MD, associate professor of medicine and director of the hematology/oncology training program. “The UT Cancer Institute is already doing incredible work in our community and across the state.  With this additional support, we can take our efforts to the next level and put Memphis on the map for our comprehensive cancer programs.”

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