Efforts underway to reduce Arkansas’ high maternal mortality rate

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Arkansas leads the nation in maternal mortality rates although nearly every state in the union struggles with the issue. However, a review committee that is raising visibility and eyeing policy changes believes the trend can be reversed.

According to the most recent statistics assembled from 2018-2020, Arkansas averages 40 maternal deaths per 100,000 births, ranking the state 50th among 50 states.

Dr. Nirvana Manning, chair of obstetrics and gynecology at UAMS, said southern states are particularly vulnerable in this area for a variety of reasons with access being crucial.

https://www.uaex.uada.edu/media-resources/news/2023/june/06-06-2023-ark-new-faculty-cengiz-koparan.aspx

UAMS College of Medicine Names Lindsey Sward, M.D., as Assistant Dean for Clinical Education

By Linda Haymes

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine appointed Lindsey Sward, M.D., associate professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, to serve in the newly created position of assistant dean for clinical education.

In her new role, Sward will work to continue and improve the college’s work of producing highly skilled, compassionate physicians for the state.

“With the recent expansion of the UAMS Northwest Regional Campus, the addition of a three-year accelerated M.D. track working to produce more primary care physicians, and our growth across Arkansas, this position will help ensure that we provide consistent and excellent clinical instruction for all of our medical students,” said Executive Vice Chancellor and Dean Susan Smyth, M.D., Ph.D. “Dr. Sward brings exceptional teaching skills and a strong commitment to our educational mission to her new post.”

https://news.uams.edu/2022/08/01/uams-college-of-medicine-names-lindsey-sward-m-d-as-assistant-dean-for-clinical-education/

Lindsey Sward, M.D.