Robert Lucas receives the Randy and Brenda Ross Award in Gross Anatomy. Pictured with Lucas, from left, are WCU President Dr. Tommy King, Dr. Randy Ross, Brenda Ross, and Dr. Italo Subbarao, dean of the medical school.
The William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine presented two annual awards to student doctors during a private ceremony on Oct. 12 – the Ross Award and the Asbury Award.
Ross AwardThe Randy and Brenda Ross Award in Gross Anatomy is given to the student doctor who achieved the highest average in anatomical science courses during their first year of medical school.
This year’s recipient is Robert Lucas of Jackson. Lucas graduated from the University of Mississippi with a double major in biochemistry and biology and a minor in mathematics. His grandfather and two uncles became surgeons and other relatives also worked in medical professions. But it was a conversion experience, Lucas said, when God saved him from death in a car accident that made him decide to pursue a career in medicine. Lucas said he will practice in Mississippi. He and his fiancé, Thania Vega, plan to marry in December.
Dr. Randy Ross of the Hattiesburg Clinic and his wife, Brenda, are longtime WCU supporters. The WCU College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Ross Anatomy Lab is named in their honor.
Asbury Award
The Asbury Foundation Award is given to the student doctor from the eight-county region served by the Asbury Foundation of Hattiesburg who achieved the highest overall grade point average during their first year of medical school.
This year’s recipient is Julia Keeler of Hattiesburg. Keeler earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Southern Mississippi, a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Vermont, and a master’s degree in biomedical science from William Carey University. Keeler previously worked as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit at Forrest General Hospital. The daughter of Dr. Scott and Lee Keeler, she enjoys volunteering at Edwards Street Fellowship Health Clinic.
The Asbury Foundation and its president, Dr. Bill Ray, are longtime WCU supporters, giving to building and scholarship projects.
“Fighting for an education”
These awards are usually presented during the annual white coat ceremony at the start of the fall trimester – but that was not possible this year due to the pandemic.
Dr. Italo Subbarao is dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine. In his remarks, he commended the student doctors pursuing a medical degree at William Carey University.
“Our mission is to serve under-served populations, and we seek out students who already feel a commitment to this goal. Many of our incoming first-year students were interviewed and accepted after the COVID-19 crisis began,” Subbarao said.
“We know the pandemic is a tremendous challenge and strain on all of us – but to all of our students, both new and returning, we are grateful for your persistence and your determination. You are fighting for your education every day.”
Julia Keeler received the Asbury Foundation Award. Pictured with Keeler are, from left, WCU President Dr. Tommy King, Dr. Bill Ray of the Asbury Foundation, and Dr. Italo Subbarao, dean of the medical school.