News Capsules 02/18/09
Feb. 18, 2009
NEWS CAPSULES is a biweekly newsletter for faculty, staff, and students of the Academic Health Center. Please send submissions to Nick Hanson at hans2853@umn.edu.
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Lately, I’ve been thinking of the old Bob Dylan song, The Times they are a Changin’, as I engage in the work to ensure a successful future for the health sciences enterprise of this state’s only land grant university. Much of what we take for granted as a public institution is now open for debate.
We are facing a future in which the state’s share of our overall budget may be exceeded by the tuition of our University’s students, or by the sponsored research funding of our faculty. So who truly “owns” the University now?
And private philanthropy is an increasingly important part of the overall funding pie.
These new relationships – with donors, and with research sponsors including industry -require new models of accountability to ensure we never forget our core mission – stewarding the health of the people of this state.
Yes, the times are indeed changing – the economic environment will ensure that continues for some time. But I remain optimistic that the confidence evident in the gift noted below is also shared by the public that has invested in the Biomedical Discovery District, our new research facilities behind the stadium. And it is our job to ensure that although times may change, that confidence must remain strong.
I look forward to seeing you at the annual State of the Academic Health Center presentation tomorrow. (See item below for more information.)
– Frank B. Cerra, M.D.
Sr. Vice President for Health Sciences
Children’s Hospital receives $50 million gift
Caroline Amplatz, daughter of Kurt Amplatz, a medical device pioneer and retired University professor, has given a $50 million gift to the University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital. In recognition of this gift, the second largest ever given to the University, the hospital will be named the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital. The new 227,000-square foot facility is scheduled to open in 2011.
Active-military personnel engage in frequent binge drinking
Binge drinking is common among active-duty military personnel and is strongly associated with many health and social problems, including problems with job performance and alcohol-impaired driving, according to a new study released by the School of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To read more visit: http://www.ahc.umn.edu/news/releases/bingedrinking021209/home.html
Researchers find master gene behind blood vessel development
In a first of its kind discovery, Medical School researchers have identified the “master gene” behind blood vessel development. Better understanding of how this gene operates in the early stages of development may help researchers find better treatments for heart disease and cancer. To read more visit: http://www.ahc.umn.edu/news/releases/bloodvessel020409/home.html
Selwyn Vickers, M.D. (Medical School and Masonic Cancer Center), was recently elected a director of the American Board of Surgery, which is one of 24 member boards that make up the American Board of Medical Specialties. He will serve a six-year term beginning July 1, 2009.
Sheila M. Riggs, D.D.S., Dr.MedSc (School of Dentistry), has been named to lead primary dental care department in the School of Dentistry. The oral health care researcher and epidemiologist received her doctor of dental surgery degree at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and has both a master’s degree and a doctorate of medical sciences in epidemiology from Harvard University. To read more visit: http://www.ahc.umn.edu/news/releases/riggs021609/home.html
Patrick Lloyd, D.D.S. (School of Dentistry), testified before the Minnesota Senate Health and Human Services Budget Division on Wednesday, Feb. 11, on the governor's proposed budget, which would eliminate dental care for Minnesota Care and public program patients. He said that as proposed, the governor’s budget may cause the School of Dentistry to have to close some of its outreach clinics where dental students train.
Lynn Blewett, Ph.D., and Ira Moscovice, Ph.D. (School of Public Health), delivered a presentation to U.S. legislative committees on the effect of the economic downturn on the health care delivery system in Minnesota. The hearing was Tuesday, Feb. 10, and was a joint meeting of the Health Care and Human Services Finance and Policy Committees.
Economy and the U Web site
The University’s Economy and the U Web site now includes the option to opt in to receive notices when new information is posted. University faculty, staff and students have already provided numerous suggestions and feedback on the site, created to provide ongoing information and to share ideas for addressing serious budget challenges. The current question is: How can the U maintain the strength of its mission in lean times? To sign up for the updates, read others’ suggestions, or send in feedback, visit the site: http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/faculty-staff/economy/index.html
State of the AHC is Feb. 19
Frank Cerra’s State of the Academic Health Center address is scheduled for 3 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 19, in the Mayo Auditorium and will be broadcast to the St. Paul (VDL, room 280), Duluth (room 142), and Rochester (room 397) campuses. Following the speech, there will be a faculty assembly and town hall meeting. The address is preceded by the AHC-FCC Year in Review at 2:30 p.m.
Memorial service scheduled for SPH student
A memorial will be held for School of Public Health student Justin Goodhue at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 19, at the Loring Pasta Bar in Dinkytown. He passed away on Christmas morning. Friends are invited to participate in the memorial service program by sharing a memory, poem, or contribution of their choice. For more information, contact event organizers Andrea Abbott (burb0047@umn.edu) or Natasha Rueth, (ruet0012@umn.edu).
Support the U Day set for action
The Minnesota Student Association invites anyone to join hundreds of U students and supporters at Support the U Day at 12 p.m., Feb. 25, at the State Capitol rotunda. For more information, see the Support the U Day registration page or e-mail the legislative network.
“Rejuvenate! Health and Wellness Fair”
Rec Sports will be hosting a health and wellness fair from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 4 at the University Recreation Center. To view a list of activities and events and for more information, visit: http://www.recsports.umn.edu/wellness/index.html
Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) update
In Oct. 2008, the University submitted its NIH Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) application. To carry out the University’s vision for clinical translational research enterprise, the application outlined the creation of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI). CTSA scores will be announced by early March and NIH funding decisions by early June. In the meantime, it is important to note that clinical translational science research is a top Academic Health Center priority, and the University will establish CTSI regardless of the NIH’s CTSA funding decision.
Mini Medical School starts next week
This five-class course will feature health topics spanning new frontiers in medicine. The series runs from 6-8:30 p.m., Mondays, Feb. 23 through March 23. Cost is $75 (includes binder and printouts of PowerPoint presentations), or $60 (paper-less, with ability to download presentations). To register online, visit www.ahc.umn.edu/minimed. For questions, e-mail minimed@umn.edu.
- To read a story about the history of Mini Medical School, click here.
- To listen to a podcast from the coordinators of the program, click here.
AHC seed grant applications now available
The Academic Health Center (AHC) is accepting applications for seed grants to fund faculty research. These funds will be distributed through a competitive peer review process. The maximum award per project is $25,000, and 15 awards will be funded. One Seed Grant for Alzheimer’s or other neurodegenerative diseases will be funded by the Harold Soine Alzheimer’s Research Fund. For details on eligibility and instructions on applying, visit: http://www.ahc.umn.edu/research/funding/
seedgrants/home.html
Whole Systems Healing Lecture
Award-winning activist and environmental advocate Van Jones will be the guest speaker as part of the Center for Spirituality & Healing’s new series, Whole Systems Healing. This free event is from 4-6 p.m., March 5, at Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2128 4th St. S., Minneapolis. The series is designed to teach students about the relationship between the environment and the health of people and communities while preparing them to be agents of social healing. For more information and to register visit: www.csh.umn.edu or call 612-624-9459.
Jeff Hertzberg to present at Friends of Eastcliff Book Club
The Medical School’s Hertzberg will discuss his book Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day during the book club meeting. The event will be at 7 p.m., Feb. 19, at Eastcliff. RSVP by calling (612) 626-8187, or e-mail foebooks@umn.edu.
“Health Care System in Taiwan”
Health policy management student Shi-Yi Wang will discuss Taiwan health care from12-1:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 20, in the Mississippi Room of Coffman Union. The event is free and open to the public. Lunch will be served. To register e-mail: gnam@umn.edu.
“It’s Global” PSA Contest to award up to $500
Feel strongly about pollution, clean water, climate change, second-hand smoke, or another global public health topic? Create a public service announcement that is 30 seconds or less and enter the 2009 “It’s Global” Public Service Announcement (PSA) contest sponsored by the School of Public Health. Novice and seasoned filmmakers are encouraged to participate. The deadline to enter is March 6. Select entries will be showcased, and winners of cash prizes up to $500 will be announced on April 6 during National Public Health Week. Learn more at www.sph.umn.edu/psa.
Feb. 20
10-11 a.m. MN Health Trajectory Research Seminar Series
Quality of Life: What are we Measuring?
Dr. Geraldine Padilla
Location: Weaver Densford Hall - Room 4-180
Feb. 26
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Emerging Trends and Controversies in Occupational Health and Safety
Location: Continuing Education & Conference Center (formerly Earle Brown)
Feb 28 – March 1
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
The Developmental Origins of Cancer Symposium
Location: McNamara Alumni Center
More events like these can be found on the AHC calendar, http://www.ahc.umn.edu/calendar. You can submit an item to the AHC calendar by going to http://www.ahc.umn.edu/submitevent.
A health science riddle
What do a gunshot wound, wet film, and a charitable donation to a children’s hospital have in common? Find the answer at: http://blog.lib.umn.edu/moore144/ahcarchives/2009/02/riddle.html.
AHC News Capsules is a biweekly newsletter for faculty, staff, and students of the Academic Health Center. Please send submissions to Nick Hanson at hans2853@umn.edu.
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