News Capsules - 5/21/08
May 21, 2008
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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We're moving towards the end of the fiscal year, which is always a period of time when numbers are of great concern. As we wrap up the year's business at this University, we're reviewing the revenue we've both received, and earned, ensuring that we've done what we said we would to those funding our work. The patients of our medical, dental, and veterinary clinics want to know they¿re receiving high quality care in exchange for their fees. Our students want to know that they've received a high quality education for their tuition, and certainly taxpayers at the state and federal level are interested in knowing that the research they're funding is dedicated to improving health. It¿s one of our core accountabilities as a public research university - doing what we say we will. On June 11, I will be discussing what I see in our fiscal future during the speech "The Demand for Creative Approaches as We Compete for Our Future'
Back to numbers - the University of Minnesota graduated 1,058 health professionals this year. Those are students from the School of Dentistry, Medical School, School of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, School of Public Health, and College of Veterinary Medicine. They are graduating with degrees of D.V.M., M.P.H., M.D., D.N.P., D.D.S., M.S., and B.S.N. - all of the initials of our professions. It¿s humbling for me to think of our impact. I hope it is for you as well. Enjoy the Memorial Day weekend.
– Frank B. Cerra, M.D.
Sr. Vice President for Health Sciences
Legislative update
State lawmakers adjourned the 2008 legislative session in the early hours of Monday morning. With bipartisan agreement on a state budget plan, Minnesota's higher education systems are facing a $22 million cut, including more than $12.3 million to the University. The University is working through a process of meeting the cuts through reductions and tuition increases.
State lawmakers also passed a health care reform bill that opens access to Minnesota Care for more Minnesotans and starts to collect and analyze pricing and quality outcomes data that will inform future health reform efforts. The AHC will be an important asset to the state in those efforts. In addition, this session state lawmakers supported nearly $5 million for School of Public Health research into the cause of mesothelioma in taconite workers on Minnesota's Iron Range, and initiated a School of Dentistry effort to shape a mid-level dental practitioner program that will begin enrolling students by fall 2009. Still left for gubernatorial action is a bill that supports all stem cell research in the state of Minnesota. Regardless of the outcome of the stem cell bill, the University will continue to support our faculty interests in all forms of stem cell science.
Perhaps the best news of the session, however, was that after three years, state lawmakers saw the vision for biomedical research in this state and agreed to invest in four new research facilities in the East Gateway district on the Twin Cities campus. During the next five years, the AHC will be moving aggressively on that vision.
U Study: New blood test reveals risk for metabolic syndrome
University of Minnesota researchers have discovered that people with high oxidation levels of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle that carries cholesterol throughout the blood are much more likely to develop metabolic syndrome - which can lead to a considerably increased risk of developing heart disease. For more information visit:
http://www.ahc.umn.edu/news/releases/metabolic052008/home.html.
Childhood cancer survivors at increased risk of serious heart problems early in life
A Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota researcher and physician found that survivors of childhood and young adult cancers are 5 to 10 times more likely than their healthy brothers and sisters to develop serious heart problems. The problems can develop at an early age and emphasize the need for continuous medical monitoring. For more information visit: http://www.ahc.umn.edu/news/releases/cancerheart051608/home.html.
U of M begins clinical trials for type 1 diabetes
Researchers at the University of Minnesota's Diabetes Institute for Immunology and Transplantation have announced the start of new clinical trials for people with type 1 diabetes. The University is one of only seven sites in the United States funded by the National Institutes of Health as part of the Clinical Islet Transplantation Consortium, the goal of which is to determine whether islet transplantation becomes an FDA-approved treatment for people with difficult-to-manage type 1 diabetes. For more information visit: http://www.ahc.umn.edu/news/releases/diabetes050808/home.html.
Young smokers who cut back still exposed to high levels of cancer causing chemicals
Adolescent smokers who reduce their cigarette smoking are still inhaling considerable amounts of cancer-causing chemicals, and their ultimate goal should be to quit completely, according to a tobacco research study conducted by the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota. The results are published in the May issue of Drug and Alcohol Dependence Journal. For more information visit: http://www.ahc.umn.edu/news/releases/smoking050708/home.html.
Russell Luepker, M.D., M.S. (Medical School), has been named science advocate of the year by the American Heart Association. He was recognized for 30 years as an active association volunteer and leading advocate for increased federal funding for heart disease and stroke research and prevention.
Harvey Arbit, Pharm.D., M.B.A. (AHC Office of Clinical Research, College of Pharmacy), was elected to a three-year term to serve on the board of directors of the Society of Clinical Research Associates. He was also appointed by the Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative to serve on the steering committee representing academia.
Andy Skildum, Ph.D. (Medical School), was awarded the "Basic Science Teacher of the Year Award" by the first-year medical students at the Medical School Duluth campus, Annual Farewell Awards on April 24. See other award recipients by following this link:
http://www.med.umn.edu/duluth/NewsReleases/2008_Farewell.html
Liz Medina Alm (Medical School), will receive the American Medical Association Minority Scholars Award for 2008 - the third University of Minnesota Medical Student to do so. Last year, Charles "Chuck" Branch (Medical School), received the award - the second Native American to do so. Follow this link to read a story about Branch: http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/18496.html. Medina Alm was one of four students featured in this year's Medical School admissions video: Follow this link to view the clip: http://www.meded.umn.edu/admissions/. Gareth Forde was the other recipient from the University of Minnesota.
Former Sen. Dicklich named co-chair of Taconite Lung Health Partnership
Iron Range native and former state Sen. Ron Dicklich will co-chair the University of Minnesota-led Taconite Workers Lung Health Partnership, a coalition of individuals, organizations, and agencies interested in protecting the health of the state's taconite mine workers. The senator represented Minnesota's Fifth Senate District, which includes St. Louis County, from 1981-1992. For more information visit: http://www.ahc.umn.edu/news/releases/dicklich051608/home.html
Cerra recommends Trevor Ames be appointed permanent dean of Vet-Medicine
Frank B. Cerra, M.D., senior vice president for health sciences, announced that he will recommend Trevor Ames, D.V.M., be appointed permanent dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. Ames has been interim dean since June 2007. Once reviewed by President Robert Bruininks, the recommendation will move to the Board of Regents, which is expected to take action on the recommendation during its June meeting.
Mayo Building pick-up/drop-off point, schedule to change for EpiCH shuttle
Along with a summer schedule change, the pick-up/drop-off point on the East Bank will be changing for the EpiCH shuttle. Instead of stopping in the cul-de-sac in front of the Mayo Building, the pick-up/drop-off point will be on the west-side (back) of the Mayo building, off of Church Street. This route change is permanent.
- Download map of new pick-up/drop-off point
- Link to new pick-up/drop-off point via Google maps (photo included)
New blog tracks SPH related news
Public Health Scene is debuting as a new School of Public Health blog that keeps up with news related to its faculty members and research. It's updated several times each week.
- Go to Public Health Scene
- Subscribe to e-mail feed from Public Health Scene
Office of Technology Commercialization launches new Web site
The Office for Technology Commercialization has launched a new Web site enhanced for easy navigation and access to information and resources. It's designed to help researchers through the technology transfer process and to connect companies to University discoveries and innovations. Follow the link to visit the new site:
www.research.umn.edu/techcomm.
Medical School develops new student program in Israel
The University of Minnesota Medical School office of International Medical Education and Research has developed a new education program in Israel. Two faculty mentors (Paul Quie and Marshall Hertz) and four fourth-year medical students (Sarah Frommer, Melanie Lo, Anton Kushnaryov, and Amy Walsh) will experience a four-week clinical and cultural exchange at the Baruch Padeh Medical Center at Poriya Hospital, Tiberius in Israel. This new program titled, "Quie-Farbstein health care in Israel," will take place May 26 to June 20.
SPH to offer courses during summer Public Health Institute
From May 27 to June 13, the School of Public Health will open its summer public health institute. It provides professionals with an opportunity to immerse themselves in a chosen field of study for a single day, or up to three weeks. The institute offers a variety of courses for anyone studying public health or related fields. Participants can build or expand their professional expertise, learn best practices, broaden career options, network with other professionals, or explore a new area of interest. Course content emphasizes theory to practice with opportunities for field trips, case studies, hands-on labs, and simulations. For more, follow this link: http://cpheo.sph.umn.edu/cpheo/institute/.
U of M 2008 Alumni Association Celebration to feature Doris Taylor
The annual celebration will feature pioneering cardiac researcher Doris Taylor, Ph.D., and pacemaker inventor Earl Bakken. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. May 29, in Northrop Auditorium. For tickets and more information follow this link: http://www.alumni.umn.edu/AC08
Distinguished Visiting Scholar Series to host Sherman James
Sherman James, Ph.D., Duke University, will present "Overview of Racial/Ethnic Health Disparities in Health Status and Health Care" from 12-1 p.m. on Friday, May 23, in 1-450 Moos Tower. There will be video broadcasting to room SMed 263 on the Medical School Duluth campus. Sandwich and beverages will be provided for the first 50 attendees and no RSVP is required. For more information about the Distinguished Visiting Scholar Series visit:
http://www.ahc.umn.edu/ocr/events/dvss/home.html
Powell Center to present fifth annual women's health research conference
The Deborah E. Powell Center for Women's Health is hosting the fifth annual women's health research conference on Monday, Sept. 22, at the McNamara Alumni Center. The theme is "Hot Topics in Women's Reproductive Health." People are invited to submit poster abstracts on any topic regarding women's health or gender-specific research across the lifespan. Deadlines to submit abstracts for award consideration are Tuesday, July 1, and Monday, Aug. 4, for all other entries. To submit an abstract or to register, visit www.womenshealth.umn.edu. For more information, contact: wmhealth@umn.edu or call 612-626-1125.
Forums to educate on UMore Park and Vermillion Highlands
Two upcoming campus forums will provide opportunities for University faculty, staff, and students to learn more about UMore Park and Vermillion Highlands and view concept planning scenarios. The event will be on the Minneapolis Campus at 9:30 a.m., Monday, June 16, at Coffman Memorial Union, and on the St. Paul Campus at 12 p.m., Tuesday, June 17, at the Student Center's North Star Ballroom. For more information or to participate in the forums live via UMConnect, visit: www.umorepark.umn.edu or call 612-626-3798.
"The Demand for Creative Approaches as We Compete for Our Future"
Join Senior Vice President for Health Sciences Frank B. Cerra, M.D., for the Academic Health Center's fiscal year wrap-up from 3-4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11, in the Mayo Auditorium. People can watch via Web cast on the Duluth campus in Room 165, on the St. Paul campus at 215 Ben Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center, and on the Rochester campus in Room 397.
AHC faculty invited to attend scientific symposium on imaging and medicine
The symposium will be held at the University of Minnesota in conjunction with the 44th meeting of the United States-Japan Cooperative Medical Science Program from 1-5:30 p.m., Monday June 16, 2008, in the A.I. Johnson Room on the McNamara Alumni Center, Twin Cities East Bank campus. The symposium is free and open to the public, but registration is required. For more information please go to: http://www.med.umn.edu/microbiology/symposium/
"Health Care Reform from Lake Wobegon"
The community-wide health care forum will feature two panels of experts including educators, providers, policymakers, and business leaders responding to prerecorded questions and comments from Minnesotans with varying perspectives on health care issues. The forum will be broadcast on public television and made available as a delayed Web cast. It's scheduled for 11-12:30 p.m., June 10, in the Mayo Auditorium.
May 27
5 p.m.
"When the Age Wave Hits the Shore: Implications for Caring for Aging Baby Boomers"
Heather Young, Ph.D., GN., P, F.A.A.N., Oregon Health Sciences University
Location: Radisson University Hotel
May 27
12-1:00 p.m.
Masonic Cancer Center Seminar
Alveolar & Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma: Different Cell of Origin, Similar Therapeutic Target?
Charles Keller, M.D., the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Location: Cancer Center Research Building - 450
May 31
9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Caring for Parents with Memory Loss
Joseph Gaugler, Ph.D., Kristie Kellis, M.A., Mark Reese, B.A.
Location: Weaver Densford Hall - 4-180
June 5
1-5:00 p.m.
Ethics in the Worst of Times: Rationing to Protect the Public's Health during a Severe Influenza Pandemic
Location: Off Campus - Snelling Office Park. Interactive remote sites in Bemidji, Fergus Falls, Rochester, St. Cloud, Marshall, and Duluth.
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.
University of Minnesota Children's Hospital, Fairview announces changes
Construction will begin May 27 on the new facility for the University of Minnesota Children's Hospital, Fairview. During construction there will be changes that will affect employees, patients and visitors to the Riverside Campus. Some include: A revised construction timeline, parking changes, east lobby entrance closure, and valet service. A groundbreaking ceremony is planned, although a date has not yet been set. Click here for more construction information.
Summer to bring plenty of road work and facility repairs, may impact travel
To get the latest updates on roadwork, construction projects, and other facility repairs visit: http://www.pts.umn.edu. For stadium construction updates visit: http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/construction.php
From Here to Timbuktu
The AHC and Timbuktu seem to be a world apart, but both are centers of medical education and scientific discovery; the former of the 20th-21st centuries and the latter of the 17-18th centuries. Learn more about the digital projects designed to provide others with the tools they need to study the development of the health sciences in both locations.
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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