News Capsules 04/15/09
April 15, 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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Finally, it looks like spring is fully engaged in Minnesota, and particularly here – where winters are hard and long – this seasonal change provides a good opportunity to take stock of where we are in the change taking place within the Academic Health Center. Although I’m not from here, I’ve been in Minnesota for a long time, and I don’t believe I’ve ever experienced a more profound era of change. And I want to be clear – this is not about the change we are instituting within the University. This is a fundamental shift in our relationship with those we serve as an institution – and as an Academic Health Center, in particular.
What do I mean by that shift in our relationship with those we serve? First and foremost, the public, broadly defined, expects much more of us. A decade ago, we began the work of measuring the value and impact of our role on behalf of the health of Minnesota. It is our job to prepare the next generation of health professionals to serve and improve Minnesota’s health – and that means we have to know who we educate, how our education is resulting in better health professionals, and where those professionals then go to practice their professions. That we can do.
Today, however, the level of scrutiny – or accountability – is at a much higher level. We are seeing some of that reflected at the legislature where there is increasing interest in how we spend our time on behalf of Minnesota. When the state is engaged in funding research or buildings, there is a much deeper interest in exactly what our research can accomplish and how many jobs our buildings represent. I’m certain this new era is not limited to Minnesota, but it’s a trend or condition of life in a public institution that bears a deeper understanding as it appears to be part of the “new normal” in this country.
– Frank B. Cerra, M.D.
Sr. Vice President for Health Sciences
Women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer choosing double mastectomies
A Masonic Cancer Center researcher has found a dramatic increase in the number of women diagnosed with the earliest stage of breast cancer choosing to have both breasts surgically removed. The rate of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy surgery among U.S. women increased by 188 percent between 1998 and 2005.
Researcher reveals science behind itching and scratching
Glenn Geisler, Ph.D, Medical School, published research about why scratching relieves an itch and the impact it has on the skin. The research, published in Nature Neuroscience, found that special cells in the spinal cord are involved in producing the sensation of an itch and the feeling of relief after scratching. While the research was conducted in a primate model, the study could offer valuable insight into a common problem that impacts millions. School of Dentistry researchers also helped conduct this study. Read more:
New FDA-approved therapy for kidney cancer tested in U of M clinical trials
A new drug, which was studied in clinical trials at the Masonic Cancer Center and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, may help some patients with advanced kidney cancer live longer. Clinical trials are underway here to find out.
Study suggests need for safer packing, storage, transportation of fluorescent lamps
Researchers at the School of Public Health found most containers employed for storage and transportation of used fluorescent lamps to recycling centers do not provide necessary levels of protection against mercury vapors emitted from broken lamps. The release of mercury vapors, which can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, presents an environmental and occupational hazard for workers involved with handling and transport.
Research finds large increase in fast food intake among teens
Project Eating Among Teens (EAT) researcher Katherine Bauer, M.S., School of Nursing and School of Public Health, found a significant increase in the amount of fast food that adolescents are eating today compared with the late 1990s. She also discovered increases in the amount of fast food the adolescents ate as they moved from middle school to high school, and in male adolescents as they moved from high school into young adulthood.
Kathleen Thiede Call, Ph.D. (School of Public Health), was honored with the 2009 University of Minnesota Outstanding Community Service Award – Faculty. This award recognizes contributions to community service and public engagement on behalf of the University.
Carolyn Bramante, Medical School student, has been awarded the 2009 President’s Student Leadership & Service Award as well as the Mary A. McEvoy Award for Public Engagement. Bramante is the founder of the student organization ISTOP (Interprofessional Street Outreach Project); president of the Physicians for Human Rights Student Chapter; an active member of the Center for Health Interprofessional Programs Executive Council; and an Olympic bi-athlete training for the 2010 games in Vancouver.
David Odde, Ph.D. (Medical School), is the 2009 recipient of the George Taylor Award for Distinguished Research. The award is given annually to a faculty member in the Institute of Technology. Odde conducts research on cell mechanics and the cytoskeleton, and is interested in how cancer cells proliferate and migrate.
Waddah B. Al-Refaie, M.D. (Medical School), assistant professor of surgery in the Division of Surgical Oncology, was appointed president-elect of the Minneapolis Surgical Society.
Marshall Hoff, (Academic Health Center) manager of the AHC Learning Commons, has been awarded the Video Champions Award for a demonstration of telemedicine at the Minnesota State Fair. The award recognized an innovative use of videoconferencing at the Minnesota State Fair where fair goers saw demonstrations of teledermatology.
Connie Delaney, R.N., Ph.D. (School of Nursing), was appointed to the Government Accountability Office’s Health Information Technology Policy Committee as a member of the research community.
Li-Na Wei, Ph.D. (Medical School), was selected as a recipient of the University of Minnesota’s Distinguished McKnight University Professorship – a special award for the University’s most prominent mid-career faculty.
Nick Hanson and Jacob Portnoy (Academic Health Center, Office of Communications) were honored with an Award of Excellence from the Association of American Medical Colleges Group of Institutional Advancement for promoting Doris Taylor’s cardiovascular research that caused a dead rat heart to beat again.
Mary Koppel (AHC), Sarah Youngerman (Minnesota Medical Foundation), and Marty McDonough (Government Relations) were honored with an Award of Excellence from the Association of American Medical Colleges Group of Institutional Advancement for implementing a comprehensive public affairs strategy that helped pass the Minnesota Biomedical Research Program in 2008.
Jon Schommer, Ph.D. (College of Pharmacy), is one of the recipients of a University of Minnesota Graduate-Professional Teaching Award. The award recognizes contributions to post baccalaureate, graduate, and professional education through excellence in instruction.
CTSI open for business
The University’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), which supports collaborative clinical and translational science research aimed at improving the health of communities, provides access to a wide range of services and resources to University and community-based researchers. Its services include: comprehensive assistance with investigator-initiated and industry-sponsored studies through research process managers and clinical research coordinators (initial consultations are free of charge); regulatory assistance with IRB and IND/IDE applications and clinical trial monitoring; biostatistical design and support; inpatient and outpatient research facilities for adult and child participants; and skilled research staff. For more information, go to: www.ctsi.umn.edu or call (612) 625-CTSI (2874).
Legislative Update
Legislators were off for the Easter-Passover holidays last week. The one AHC-related bill awaiting floor action is the omnibus licensing bill that would create a new dental therapist profession. Other legislation the AHC is monitoring includes colon cancer screening, newborn screening, and expanded funding for the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab.
Tornado Drill Day slated for next week
April 23 is a statewide Tornado Drill Day and the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview is participating. At 1:45 p.m., and 6:55 p.m., metro emergency sirens will sound and UMMC, Fairview will follow with announcements over the public address system. Although the University is not participating in the drill, it’s a good time for a reminder of what to do in case of emergency.
If tornado sirens sound outside, it’s a signal to get more information via radio, TV, or another medium. When they stop sounding, however, it does not mean the emergency is over. Within the AHC, all Deans’ offices and many other locations have tone alert radios to signal weather or other emergencies. In addition, the University’s TXT-U service can provide emergency messages to all who use cell phones. The University Emergency Communication Systems, like the tornado sirens, are not normally used to issue an all clear. For further information on TXT-U, weather and other emergencies, go to: http://www1.umn.edu/prepared/index.html
Coleman recognized for advancement in treatment of sexual disorders
Eli Coleman, Ph.D., professor and director of the Program in Human Sexuality, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Medical School, is receiving the Masters and Johnson Award for lifetime achievement of excellence in clinical and/or research areas of sexual disorders. The award is given annually by the Society for Sex Therapy and Research, an organization dedicated to fostering communication and an exchange of ideas among sexual health professionals.
Germany’s Minister of Health to speak at AHC
Germany's Federal Minister of Health Ulla Schmidt will be on campus to present “Core Elements of the German System: Access, Solidarity, and the Pursuit of Excellence.” The program is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, in room 2-690 Moos Tower. For more information, visit: http://www.cges.umn.edu/outreach/topic2009.htm.
New interdisciplinary graduate minor, prevention science, to be offered
A new interdisciplinary minor on prevention science spans six colleges and 11 departments, giving students the opportunity to pursue a masters or doctoral minor in prevention science for the first time. Learn more about the program 10-11 a.m., Wednesday, April 22, in 325 Ed Sciences.
Fairview Health Services to freeze pay for 2009-10
Mark Eustis, CEO of Fairview Health Services, announced a pay freeze for 2009-2010 recently in an effort to manage expenses in an uncertain economic environment. This also includes a wage freeze for Fairview employees’ next performance review cycle.
Go Local highlights flood information
My Health Minnesota – Go Local (http://medlineplus.gov/minnesota), a free directory of health services throughout Minnesota, recently joined North Dakota – Go Local (http://medlineplus.gov/northdakota) to feature flood-related information on their Web sites. Go Local is for people seeking health-related services, especially during emergencies and natural disasters such as the Red River flooding. For more information, go to the Web site or contact golocal@umn.edu.
First annual Professional Development Fair to kick off
Breakout sessions and an information expo featuring training and development organizations from across the U are featured at this first-time event. It takes place 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., April 22 in Coffman Union. For more information, see professional development.
University takes second in CLARION national case competition
On April 4, CLARION hosted its 2009 National Case Competition featuring eight interprofessional teams from schools across the United States. This year, teams of health students presented recommendations on a case study to a panel of judges and were recognized for identifying key issues in patient safety and quality improvement as well as making recommendations for implementing a better system overall. The second place University of Minnesota team consists of Elizabeth Hackenmueller, Colleen May, Jeanna Swanson and Saundra Hartmann. For more information about CLARION, visit: http://www.chip.umn.edu/CHIP/committees/clarion.html
New dental clinic coming soon
UMPhysicians is opening a dental clinic in affiliation with the School of Dentistry. The University of Minnesota Physicians Riverside Dental Clinic will provide comprehensive dental care to children and adults as well as clinic- and hospital-based dental services for patients with complex medical conditions. The clinic will open May 4 in the Riverside Professional Building under the direction of Brian Singletary. To schedule an appointment, call: (612) 659-8689.
“Fever Pitch: Does Health News Reporting Leave Consumers Out in the Cold?”
Associate professor of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications Gary Schwitzer will be the featured host at this panel that will include: Susan Albright, MinnPost.com; Jeff Baillon, FOX-9 News; Dave Hage, Star Tribune; Jeff Hansel, Rochester Post-Bulletin; Jeremy Olson, Pioneer Press; and Jane E. Kirtley, Silha Professor of Media Ethics and Law and Silha Center Director, University of Minnesota. The free, public event begins at 7 p.m., April 30 in the Hubert H. Humphrey Center on the West Bank of the U of M Campus. For more information visit: www.silha.umn.edu, or call, (612) 625-3421.
“A Discovery Research Program on Rare/Orphan Diseases: An Indo-U.S. Bilateral Workshop”
The program, “Scientific, Educational, and Societal Frontiers,” organized by the College of Pharmacy’s Center for Orphan Drug Research and the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, will foster exchange and dissemination of information and provide opportunities to promote bilateral scientific and technological cooperation in the area of rare/neglected diseases. The event is sponsored by the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum April 27-29 at Mayo Memorial Auditorium. For more information, visit: http://www.pharmacy.umn.edu/news/orphandiseases/home.html .
Harvard Street Forum to host “The Art of Healing: Words by Physician Poets and Writers”
Nancy Baker, M.D., will moderate presentations of poetry and writing by physicians and medical students. This free and public Harvard Street Forum is 7-9 p.m., Friday, April 17, at Grace University Lutheran Church. For more information visit: http://www.graceattheu.org/harvard_street_forum.php.
“Curbing Cancer's Growth in the Body: Advances in Research and Treatment”
Research at the Masonic Cancer Center that helps find cancer earlier and identify treatments that will prevent cancer’s spread will be the focus at this special “Cancer U: Ask the Experts” session 1-4 p.m., Sunday, April 26, at the Weisman Art Museum. Presenters include James McCarthy, Ph.D., leader of the Tumor Biology and Progression Research Program; Arkadiusz Dudek, M.D., Ph.D., medical oncologist; and Selwyn Vickers, M.D., chief of the Medical School's Department of Surgery and associate director of translational research for the Masonic Cancer Center. For more information and to register, visit: www.cancer.umn.edu .
Dermatologists to offer 25th annual free skin cancer screenings
The Dermatology Department will offer free skin cancer screenings as part of Melanoma Monday, an event sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology. Sunscreen samples and literature about skin cancer also will be available. The event takes place 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday, May 4, in the Dermatologic Surgery and Laser Center in the Phillips-Wangensteen Building, room 4-175. The skin-cancer screenings will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and are free to the general public. For more information, visit www.dermatology.umn.edu or call (612) 624-9964.
“Taking charge: We can do it!”
Keynote speakers at the second annual Women in Surgery conference include Nancy Ascher, M.D., Ph.D., head of Surgery at University of California-San Francisco, who did her residency and transplant fellowship at the University of Minnesota. Medical students, residents and physicians are invited to attend this free conference “Taking charge: We can do it!” April 24-25, at the Weisman Art Museum. For details or to register, go to: www.med.umn.edu/faculty/womeninsurgery or call (612) 624-5442.
AHC school, college members invited to exhibit at State Fair
Academic Health Center schools, departments, and centers are invited to exhibit in the University of Minnesota building’s HEALTH ZONE at the 2009 Minnesota State Fair, Aug. 27-Sept. 7. Those interested in scheduling one six-hour shift during the fair should contact Jenny Meslow at meslo001@umn.edu. The deadline to sign-up is Friday, May 8.
Through April 16
7 a.m.–5 p.m.
Design of Medical Devices Conference 2009
Medical Devices
Location: Radisson University Hotel - 2nd Floor
April 22
6-7:30 p.m.
HARAMBEE Performing Arts Showcase
AHC students, faculty, staff, and friends
Location: Coffman Memorial Union - Coffman Memorial Theater
April 25
8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
CHIP Hot-Sock 5K Fun Run
Fundraiser event for ISTOP (Interprofessional Street Outreach Project)
Location: Off Campus at Como Park (near the Lakeside Pavilion)
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.
What happens to the stuff I send to the archives? (Part II)
Learn more about what happens to the records you send to the archives and how they are cared for at: http://blog.lib.umn.edu/moore144/ahcarchives/2007/03/frequently_asked_questions_2.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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