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Promotion Recognition Bookplate Program
Promotion Recognition Bookplate Program
Being promoted is one of the most significant events in the life of a faculty member. KUMC is proud of these achievements and is grateful for the hard work and dedication of all honorees.
To recognize the career achievements of the School of Medicine promoted faculty, a digital Promotion Recognition Bookplate Program was initiated by the School of Medicine’s office of Faculty Affairs and Development (FAD) and the A.R. Dykes Library. Book selections are chosen by the promoted faculty member along with a brief personal statement that describes the significance of the book and how it has affected their personal and/or professional life.
This site supersedes the P & T print book display originated by the Office of Faculty and Student Affairs and exhibited in the library.
The A. R. Dykes Library of the Health Sciences collects resources on topics of current interest which specifically support the Medical Center's programs and which show the promise of substantial use. The library website will provide a lasting means of recognition of the outstanding accomplishments of the School of Medicine faculty.
Books
Atomic Habits by James ClearISBN: 9780735211292
Publication Date: 2018-10-16
Heather Mitzel Levy, DO
Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine
Clinical Associate Professor
Why I selected this book:
"When one stops to think about, we are all a product of our habits both good and bad. The nature of our thoughts, how many people we socialize with each day, and the number of hobbies we have are all deeply rooted in habit. When we become mindful of what we hope to achieve we can change our small daily habits to help achieve the larger end goal."
Truman by David McCulloughISBN: 9780671869205
Publication Date: 1993
Constantine Farmakidis, MD
Neurology
Associate Professor
Why I selected this book:
"An inspiring example of integrity, industriousness, and personal responsibility."
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. RowlingISBN: 9780590353403
Publication Date: 1998
Lisa Gilmer, MD
Pediatrics
Professor
Why I selected this book:
"Pediatricians encourage parents to read aloud to their children & in my muggle opinion, no books have stimulated imaginations & cultivated love of reading like Harry Potter. While I love teaching at KUMC, after reading each book to my own children & talking magic instead of video games with my patients, I will forever dream of teaching at Hogwarts."
The Muqaddimah by Ibn Khaldun; N. J. Dawood (Editor); Franz Rosenthal (Translator); Bruce Lawrence(Introduction by)ISBN: 9780691166285
Publication Date: 2015-04-27
Al-Ola Abdallah, MD
Internal Medicine, Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics
Associate Professor
Why I selected this book:
"To me, I find this book teaches me many important subjects that are related to our real world such as nationalism and the Laffer curve, which helps to adapt and learn."
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson (Illustrator)ISBN: 9780064430227
Publication Date: 1955
Randal Halfmann, PhD
Molecular and Integrative Physiology
Associate Professor
Why I selected this book:
"I read this book countless times to my 4 yr old daughters over the past couple of years. It's a children's book that questions reality. Great for keeping the creative juices flowing after a grueling day. Plus, it reminds me that my own efforts to decipher reality as a basic scientist are, ultimately, for the next generation."
Gita Darshan by OshoISBN: 9788176212298
Bhanu Gupta, MD, MSc
Cardiovascular Medicine
Associate Professor
Why I selected this book:
"Osho brings the new perspective about the eternal festivity and celebration that is inherent to everyone Life but fragmented by the illusionary nature of the mind. Osho decodes Gita's core value that transcends time, space and forces of nature!"
Genes in Conflict by Austin Burt; Robert TriversISBN: 9780674027220
Publication Date: 2008-03-15
Selected by: SaraH Zanders, PhD
Molecular and Integrative Physiology
Associate Professor
Why I selected this book:
"I read this book when I started my post-doc and it motivated me to search for parasitic genes."
Siddhartha by Herman HesseISBN: 9781605121659
Publication Date: 1982
Jill Hamilton-Reeves, PhD, RD, CSO
Urologic Surgery
Professor, previously tenured,
The Road Less Travelled by M. Scott PeckISBN: 9780712659888
Publication Date: 1978
Jianghua He, PhD
Biostatistics & Data Science
Professor, previously tenured
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson MandelaISBN: 0316548189
Publication Date: 1995-10-01
Selected by: Rebecca Wangechi Opole MD, FACP
Internal Medicine General, Geriatric & Hospital Medicine
Associate Professor
Why I selected this book:
"I selected this book because, whereas it is an autobiography of Nelson Mandela, it is also a book about hope, sacrifice and perseverance for the greater good of a nation. Mandela sacrificed a life with his family and his career, in order to liberate the Black South Africans from the oppressive apartheid regime. He also encouraged forgiveness."
Left Boob Gone Rogue by Uzma YunusISBN: 9781729070819
Publication Date: 2018-10-26
Selected by: Lauren Nye
Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology
Associate Professor
Why I selected this book:
“Dr. Yunus highlighted the frequently not discussed perspective in medicine - the patient perspective. Reminding me to use my words carefully in oncology, in a way I would want a family member to hear them and recognizing that patients have different perspectives, values and goals and I need to be aware of those to deliver patient centered care.”
Nine Stories by J. D. SalingerISBN: 9780316767729
Publication Date: 1953
Marc Hoffman, MD
Internal Medicine, Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics
Associate Professor
Why I selected this book:
"For Esme with Love and Squalor may be the best 20 pages ever written. These stories are vast, insightful, subtle and beautiful. I traveled for about 10 months at one point with a light backpack and only brought this book - I read it and re-read it countless times."
Atomic Habits by James ClearISBN: 9780735211292
Publication Date: 2018
Kimberly Johnson, MD
Neurology
Clinical Associate Professor
Why I selected this book:
"I am currently reading this book and it contains easy to understand tools and strategies that I am actively incorporating into my life, that will not only make me a better physician and leader, but a better me all together, through habit formation."
The White Coat Investor by James M. DahleISBN: 9780991433100
Publication Date: 2014-01-01
Selected by: Andrew Pirotte
Emergency Medicine
Associate Professor
Why I selected this book:
“As my career in medicine has evolved, I have become increasingly convinced that financial literacy is a critical knowledge set for physicians. Though we spend a great deal of time learning and expanding our clinical knowledge to help our patients, we often neglect our own financial literacy. That financial literacy is key to overall wellness.”
Do No Harm by Henry MarshISBN: 9781250090133
Publication Date: 2016
Kiran Kakarala, MD, FACS
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Professor
Why I selected this book:
"Dr. Marsh uses his experiences as a neurosurgeon to reflect on some of the most profound questions facing all doctors. His stories inspire awe and humility for anyone practicing a healing craft."
Eugene Braunwald and the Rise of Modern Medicine by Thomas H. LeeISBN: 9780674724976
Publication Date: 2013-09-09

Selected by: Charles Porter,MD
Cardiovascular Medicine
Professor
Why I selected this book:
“It shows the human side of a great clinical scientist & the range of his innovations and contributions. Escaping from Nazi Austria, he became a Harvard cardiologist who described basic elements of CV physiology & tools for their observation in patients. He led the landmark TIMI trials & wrote >1000 papers & textbooks. He's still writing at 92, WOW!”
The Wisdom of Whores by Elizabeth PisaniISBN: 9780393337655
Publication Date: 2009
Sarah Kessler, PhD, PMH
Family Medicine and Community Health
Professor, previously tenured
Why I selected this book:
"Spending the majority of my career working in global HIV prevention and treatment- with NGOs, governments, and within academia- this book spoke so honestly and accurately about both the opportunities and pitfalls in our efforts to respond to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Pisani's wit and authenticity make her a favorite read among students too."
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray BradburyISBN: 9780345342966
Publication Date: 1987
Amanda Klass, DO
Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Associate Professor
Why I selected this book:
"I first fell in love with this book in high school, and it remains one of my favorites today. It is a fascinating window of human nature."
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi; Abraham Verghese (Foreword by)ISBN: 9780812988406
Publication Date: 2016-01-12
Angela Martin, MD
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Clinical Associate Professor
Why I selected this book:
"When one stops to think about, we are all a product of our habits both good and bad. The nature of our thoughts, how many people we socialize with each day, and the number of hobbies we have are all deeply rooted in habit. When we become mindful of what we hope to achieve we can change our small daily habits to help achieve the larger end goal."
A Dynamic Systems Approach to Development by Linda B. Smith (Editor); Esther Thelen (Editor)ISBN: 0262519445
Publication Date: 1993-09-21
Selected by: Brenda Salley, PhD
Pediatrics
Associate Professor with Tenure
Why I selected the book:
"This book, and the research behind it, transformed and inspired my understanding of early childhood development and early parent-child relationships. The concept of how development and behavior emerge from complex systems continues to shape how I approach my research, as well as my clinical work."
The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha MukherjeeISBN: 9781439107959
Publication Date: 2010-11-16
Selected by: Maureen H. Sheehan, MD
Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology
Associate Professor
Why I selected the book:
"I have been fascinated by The History of Medicine since I was a young medical student attending Dr. Robert Hudson's Saturday morning lectures in the Clendening Library. As a Hematologist/Oncologist, I am especially interested in the history of drug development and the amazing progress we continue to make in treating all forms of malignancies."
Norwegian Wood by Haruki MurakamiISBN: 0375704027
Publication Date: 2000-09-12
Selected by: Chad Slawson, PhD
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Professor, previously tenured
Reproductive Injustice by Dána-Ain DavisISBN: 9781479853571
Publication Date: 2019-06-25
Selected by: Sharla Smith, PhD, MPH
Population Health
Associate Professor with Tenure
Why I selected the book:
"The book argues that we must examine adverse outcomes-as well as upsetting experiences for parents to improve the outcomes for black pregnant women and their babies. The author makes the case for other avenues to create reproductive justice and amplifies storytelling."
Textbook of Epilepsy Surgery by Hans O. Luders (Editor)ISBN: 9781841845760
Publication Date: 2008-07-30
Selected by: Carol Ulloa, MD
Neurology
Professor
Why I selected this book:
"This book was essential for me as I started my practice. There is still nothing like it. It encompasses all of the major concepts in the evaluation for and implementation of epilepsy surgery. It is well organized and written expertly but also in a digestible manner. It is the one book I recommend to all of our epilepsy fellows."
Tahoe-Yosemite Trail by Thomas WinnettISBN: 0899970842
Publication Date: 1987-03-01
Selected by: Eric Vidoni PT, PhD
Neurology
Associate Professor
Why I selected the book:
"A guidebook that has led to great outdoor adventures for myself and others."
Statistical Reasoning in Medicine by Lemuel A. MoyéISBN: 9780387329130
Publication Date: 2006-08-16
Selected by: Jo Wick, PhD
Biostatistics and Data Science
Professor
Why I chose this book:
"This book is an absolute must-read for clinician scientists. Dr. Moyé's books provide an accessible foundation from which non-statisticians can begin to examine the statistical reasoning process in clinical and translational research."
Once A Runner by John L. ParkerISBN: 0915297019
Publication Date: 1990-11-01
Selected by: Robert Winfield MD, FACS
Surgery
Professor with Tenure
Why I selected the book:
"As a former elite collegiate distance runner this, the greatest book ever written about competitive distance running, speaks to the runner in me. As an aging Professor of Surgery, it is a reminder of the sacrifices required to attain excellence and the tradeoff between the long-term costs of those sacrifices and the fleeting successes that result."
Madame Curie by Eve CurieISBN: 0306810387
Publication Date: 2001-04-02
Selected by: Zhan Ye MD, PhD
Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Associate Professor
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi; Abraham Verghese (Foreword by)ISBN: 9780812988406
Publication Date: 2016-01-12
Cheen Alkhatib, MD
Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine
Associate Professor
Why I selected this book:
"When Breath Becomes Air" opened my heart and mind to a new way of living with illness, suffering, and death, and armed me with the tools I needed in order to be present in a more meaningful way."
Love Thy Neighbor by Ayaz Virji; Alan EisenstockISBN: 9780525577201
Publication Date: 2019-06-11
Abeer Anabtawi, MD
Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Clinical Pharmacology
Associate Professor
Why I selected this book:
"A great book that emphasizes the importance of accepting differences, acknowledging people based on who they are, regardless of any religious or racial differences. The author successfully expressed how misinformation can divide society. Must read."
Motivational Interviewing in Health Care by Stephen Rollnick; William R. Miller; Christopher C. ButlerISBN: 9781593856120
Publication Date: 2007-11-07
Bradley Barth, MD
Emergency Medicine
Professor
Why I selected this book:
"If you've ever been frustrated by "non-compliant" patients, using the tools in this book will change your relationship with patients for the better. It will reinvigorate your patient interactions, especially if you have ever thought (or screamed in your car) "Why won't they do what I say?!" I also found the skills very helpful in raising teenagers."
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeownISBN: 9780804137393
Publication Date: 2014
James Butterworth, MBBCh
Plastic, Burn and Wound Surgery
Professor
Why I selected this book:
"I was gifted this book by one of my trainees who felt that there may be a fair amount of application at my life at the time. It was not only poignant, but transformative in the manner of recognizing that the things that we devote time and energy to should also be things that we feel passionate about."
The Joy Luck Club by Amy TanISBN: 9780143129493
Publication Date: 2016-10-18
Nikki Cheng, PhD
Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Professor, previously tenured
Why I selected this book:
"It is a touching description of the Chinese immigrant experience and how American born Chinese people live, told in different stories."
Peace Is Every Step by Thich Nhat HanhISBN: 0553351397
Publication Date: 1992-03-01
Jeffrey Thompson, PhD
Biostatistics & Data Science
Associate Professor with Tenure
Why I selected this book:
"We all live busy lives, and it's easy to lose track of what's really important. Bringing mindfulness into our lives helps us to be our best selves. This book is an approachable guide to paying more attention to the things that matter."