Robert Schwartz, M.D., professor and chair of family medicine and community health, has been selected to serve as chair of the steering committee for the South Florida Health Information Technology Regional Extension Center (SFREC). Last month, South Florida was awarded $8.5 million in federal stimulus funding to establish the Center, one of 32 regional extension centers awarded funding nationwide as part of the nearly $1 billion in stimulus money being used to advance health information technology.

The severe earthquake that struck 70 miles from Concepción, Chile on February 27 has resulted in astounding losses to our Latin American neighbors. The International Medicine Institute calls on you to support relief efforts by donating to international aid agencies:

American Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/
305-644-1200

United Way
www.unitedway.org  
703-519-0092

In the fast changing world of medicine, it is more important than ever for practicing physicians to be life-long learners. Much of that learning comes through continuing medical education, and the Miller School is fortunate to have a strong and supportive Division of Continuing Medical Education.

During the past fiscal year, the Division served more than 26,000 physicians and health care providers and the medical school spent more than $3 million to facilitate CME conferences and series, and to produce online learning materials across the medical school. Currently, the CME office is involved in planning and implementing 20 series with many more in the development stages.

The American Cancer Society Institutional Grant is providing funds for meritorious cancer research that cannot be readily supported through other funding mechanisms. The primary purpose of the ACS grant is to provide seed funds for the initiation of promising new projects or novel ideas by junior faculty members.