UTDB eflash

Dental student Tamra Montroy with her husband, Mark.

On a warm day in November, Tamra Montroy surprised herself and proved she has what it takes to be a hero. It all happened on her way back to class one afternoon. She was riding on the UT shuttle, seated in the front seat, when the bus approached the light at Fannin and Braeswood. She was studying when she noticed the driver had passed out and fallen down, leaving no one at the wheel.

She immediately jumped in the front seat and brought the bus to a stop. Montroy said she moved toward the middle of the bus to direct another student to call 911. While she was away, the driver came to and returned to the driver’s seat to finish the route.

"I knew she shouldn't have been driving," Montroy said. "And as she came to the corner of Holcombe and Fannin, she passed out again." This left the bus headed straight for the red light. Montroy said she hurdled over the driver and once again stopped the bus just in time. The paramedics were called and arrived to care for the driver.

"I think I really surprised myself," Montry said. "It just kicked in. Survival instincts, I suppose."

Montroy is a second-year dental student, who fell in love with dentistry while working in her father's private practice. She is a graduate of UT Arlington and spent two years as a dental assistant before applying to dental school. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Mark, and working out.

If you know anyone in your class, department or office who would make a good DB People profile, send a note to dbnewsdesk@uth.tmc.edu.

Check out the January issue of The Leader, available on UTHSC newsstands, to read about the staff in the Medically Complex Patient clinic. Get an up close view of the special qualities this team brings to those with special needs.

The Methodist Hospital is at critically low levels of all blood types. With the current weather system, the hospital is not able to receive blood from outside sources. The hospital is seeking all eligible blood donors to help meet current supply demands. Contact The Methodist Hospital Blood Center at 713-441-3415 or visit www.methodistbloodcenter.com.

The Hispanic Student Dental Association is inviting everyone for a night of dancing and fun, Saturday, Jan. 20, at 3222 Fondren Rd. at Club Tropicana. Free lessons start at 9 p.m. Free admission before 10 p.m. Questions, directions, carpool? Contact: lisa.m.trevino@uth.tmc.edu, 713-591-8203.

It's not too late to register for the 2007 Mexico Mission Trip. If interested, turn in your registration form and have your deposit of $130 paid no later than Friday, Jan. 19. The remaining cost of the trip will need to be paid by late February, with an expected total cost in the range of $400-500. Contact Carin Doughty or Matt Steffer to pay and submit your registration form. If you received an e-mail from Dr. T. Bob Davis about travel arrangements and costs, disregard this e-mail as it only applies to the group from Dallas. Any questions may be directed to: Carin.E.Doughty@uth.tmc.edu or Matthew.R.Steffer@uth.tmc.edu

Chili Dog Sale
11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 24. A chili dog, chips and drink will be on sale for $5 in the Dental Branch cafeteria.
Valentine’s Day Sale
Purchase a Valentine’s Day treat to be delivered to your sweetheart or favorite co-workers on Wednesday, Feb. 14. Pre-order these goodies from Thursday, Feb.1- Friday, Feb. 9. Contact any member of the DB Employee Relations Committee to place your order.