News Capsules 01/05/05

Jan. 5, 2004

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s $816 million bonding bill, unveiled Jan. 4, includes $10 million for renovating the UMD Life Sciences Building, which will house pharmacy students, and the $10 million requested by the AHC for renovating existing Twin Cities classrooms. A year ago, the governor didn’t include funding for the Twin Cities classrooms, and the session ended without passage of a bonding bill. Overall, the University would receive $100 million under the governor’s current proposal, up from the $76 million Pawlenty recommended a year ago.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:
--Join the AHC Ambassador program. The next training session is Jan. 12, 10:30 a.m. to noon, 2-530 Moos Tower. If you would like to attend or learn more, contact Deborah Zorn at mailto:zorn@umn.edu or call 625-1185. At the training, you will hear from current Minnesota legislators about how you can be an effective ambassador, and from Mike Dean, University Grassroots Legislative Network coordinator, who will provide nuts and bolts tips on grass roots advocacy. You’ll also be able to sign up for the Feb. 3 AHC Day at the State Capitol. Transportation will be provided.

--Attend the University of Minnesota’s 2005 Legislative Briefing Thursday, Jan. 27, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (includes light dinner buffet), McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak St. S.E. Join President Robert Bruininks for an insider’s look at the University’s 2006-07 biennial budget request to the Minnesota Legislature. Register at http://www.supporttheU.umn.edu or call 625-9174.

--Join the University’s Legislative Network by going to http://www.supporttheu.umn.edu

AHC NEWS

Frank Cerra, senior vice president for health sciences, will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award Jan. 16 from the Society of Critical Care Medicine. The award honors a Society of Critical Care Medicine member who has demonstrated “meritorious contributions to the field of critical care medicine through the advancement of medical science, medical education, or medical care.” Cerra’s involvement in critical care began with a fellowship in critical care in 1976. His critical care research has focused on liver function, nutrition, and investigating a bioartificial liver, a device similar to a kidney dialysis machine, which he co-developed. He has been an active member of the Society of Critical Care Medicine since 1977, serving as president from 1991-1992. In 1993, he received the Distinguished Investigator Award from the American College of Critical Care Medicine.

Apply now through April 8 for an Academic Health Center Seed Grant of up to $25,000. AHC Seed Grants are designed to support new initiatives in a faculty member's research. Thirteen awards will be made. The complete announcement can be viewed at http://www.ahc.umn.edu/research/funding/seedgrants.

The Academic Health Center and Patents and Technology Marketing jointly announce the hiring of Jessica Alderman Zeaske for the newly created position of Health Technologies Liaison. Zeaske will be supporting AHC faculty on technology transfer, scouting for commercially interesting technology, and assisting inventors with development of invention disclosures. Zeaske can be reached at mailto:zeask001@umn.edu or 625-8615.

OTHER NEWS

Participants who consumed fast food two or more times a week gained about 10 more pounds and had twice as great an increase in insulin resistance than those who consumed fast food less than once per week, according to a study, led by Mark Pereira, School of Public Health, and David Ludwig, director of the Obesity Program at Children’s Hospital Boston. They reported that fast food increases the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The results of the 15-year study were published in the Jan. 1 issue of The Lancet. For more, go to http://www.ahc.umn.edu/news/releases/fastfood123104

Security is everybody’s business at the Academic Health Center. Recently, intruders entered several rooms that were left open and/or unlocked. Be sure to close and lock doors, keep valuables in safe places, and report suspicious activity to University Police by calling 911. If you need assistance with a door or lock, please contact Facilities Management immediately at 624-2900. Between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m., please call 624-3357.

PEOPLE

Steven Miles, Medical School, medicine, Center for Bioethics, was named Minnesotan of the Year by Minnesota Monthly magazine. For more, go to http://www.ahc.umn.edu/news/releases/miles122104

Three School of Dentistry students were elected to national leadership positions in the American Student Dental Association. Camille Walker, fourth year, was elected vice president for 2004-05. Emma Otis, third year, was elected trustee from Region 8, and Kirstin Dussault, fourth year, was elected Region 8 delegate of the year. Region 8 represents students at the universities of Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri, and Creighton University.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The AHC Learning Commons will host technology-enhanced learning courses on Breeze and other topics this semester. This is a great opportunity for AHC faculty to take these courses, normally offered on other parts of the campus, in a more convenient location. The Learning Commons is located in 535/545 Diehl Hall. To register, sign up at the University Technology Training Center Web site: http://uttc.umn.edu/training

The courses are:
--Feb. 3, 1:30-4 p.m., Breeze Presenter
--March 4, 8:30-12 p.m., Vista Basics
--March 8, 9-10:30 a.m., Vista Conversion
--March 22, 1:30-4:30, p.m., Breeze Live

A conference on Ethics, Genetics, and Disability will be Thursday, Jan. 20, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (registration at 9 a.m.), at Radisson Hotel Metrodome, 615 Washington Ave. S.E. Part of the President's 21st Century Interdisciplinary Conference Series, the conference will explore allocating finite disability resources across competing demands and disability-related ethical issues raised by recent advancements in genetics. The conference is free of charge, but registration is required. To register, call Lorri Todd at 612-625-8954. More information and a registration form are at http://www.hsr.umn.edu/coa/

Patients are needed for the College of Pharmacy’s Pharmaceutical Care Clinic. Advanced-standing pharmacy students will conduct comprehensive assessments of patients’ medication-related needs in the presence of experienced faculty. Anyone taking one or more prescriptions or herbal supplements is encouraged to take part, including University employees. The clinic helps prepare pharmacy students for this new professional responsibility. There is no charge, but nominal contributions are appreciated. For more information and to set up an appointment, please call 625-7929.

The Campus Club at Coffman Union is inviting all non-faculty University staff to come for lunch during January. You do not need to be a member. To participate, employees should come to the front desk on the fourth floor of Coffman Union and fill out a short form. You’ll receive a card that is good for the entire month. The form can also be filled out online at http://www1.umn.edu/cclub/OutreachOnline.php.

How do scientists predict (and prevent) an epidemic? Michael T. Osterholm, director of the U’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, will discuss this topic at this month’s Café Scientifique, Jan. 11, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Kitty Cat Klub, Dinkytown. The event is free and open to the public. For more information call (612) 624-7083 or visit http://www.bellmuseum.org.

Clinical Research Opportunities

For information on clinical research opportunities, go to http://www.ahc.umn.edu/news/campusnews/trials