e-Update

August 6, 2001
Weekly News Briefs

e-Update is distributed weekly to keep faculty and staff at the University of Miami School of Medicine up-to-date on news at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center. To submit news for publication, e-mail items to update@med.miami.edu.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS
--Anniversary Committee Assembled to Plan School of Medicine's 50th Birthday
--Drs. Lawrence Schachner and Anna Falabella Featured on Dateline NBC
--Seminars to Address Protection of Human Subjects in Research Studies
--Medical Faculty Council Meeting Minutes and More on University's Web Site
--Volunteering for 2001 Miami-Dade American Heart Walk Does the Heart Good
--Employees Can "Double Up" For Big Savings on Eyeglasses at Bascom Palmer
--Upcoming Calendar Events


SCHOOL OF MEDICINE SET TO MARK 50TH ANNIVERSARY IN SEPTEMBER 2002

In just over one year, the School of Medicine will celebrate its 50th birthday, and preparations are underway to commemorate this important milestone. The 50th Anniversary Steering Committee, assembled by John G. Clarkson, M.D., senior vice president for medical affairs and dean of the School of Medicine, has officially kicked off its planning, with the first steps to gather research and historical anecdotes for the various publications and web sites that will accompany the event's activities. Members of the Steering Committee include Dean Clarkson; Debra Durant, director of development for Bascom Palmer; Bernard J. Fogel, M.D., dean emeritus; Jerry Lewis, assistant vice president for medical communication; Jeff Newton, assistant vice president for medical development; and Bill Whelan, M.D., professor and chairman emeritus of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. An Honorary Council, comprised of community friends and benefactors of the School of Medicine will be announced this fall. The 50th Anniversary Committee, which includes other school leaders, also has been formed to contribute further input. Public recognition of the event will begin in September 2002, specifically September 17, which marks the date of the first day of classes at the University of Miami School of Medicine in 1952. Stay tuned to campus publications for upcoming announcements, the Anniversary Committee's progress, and planned activities for the 50th anniversary celebration.

DATELINE NBC FEATURES UM DERMATOLOGISTS WHO GAVE AN INFANT NEW HOPE WITH NEW SKIN

The July 27 episode of Dateline NBC featured UM/Jackson in a story about an infant with a rare disease, and the novel treatment provided by the Department of Dermatology that gave her a second chance. At birth, Tori Cameron was diagnosed with epidermolysis bullosa, a condition in which the proteins that attach skin to the body are missing. Anna Falabella, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Dermatology and a specialist in wound care, suggested a skin graft of Apligraf, bioengineered skin made in the lab from foreskin obtained after circumcision. The procedure had never been tried on a baby, but the results were what Tori's parents and doctors hoped for. The skin graft took, Tori's wounds began to heal, and she may even grow out of the disease in the future. Lawrence Schachner, M.D., professor in the Department of Dermatology, who has spent his career providing health care for babies with the disease, also was featured in the broadcast. For the full story and information on epidermolysis bullosa, visit Dateline NBC on-line at http://www.msnbc.com/news/606017.asp.

HUMAN RESEARCH SUBJECTS ARE TOPIC OF WEEKLY SEMINARS

A program of weekly small-group seminars on topics that pertain to the protection of human subjects in research continues August 7, with "Informed Consent - Competency," presented by Roberto Dominguez, M.D., professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, noon to 1 p.m., at the Mailman Center for Child Development, Room 3023. Richard Preston, M.D, director of the Division of Clinical Pharmacology, will discuss "Placebos," on August 14, same time and location. Future seminars continue through September, featuring such topics as child research subjects, informed consent, and recruitment, among others. For more information or to register for any of these weekly seminars, call Theresa Daniels at 305-243-2311 or e-mail tdaniels@miami.edu. Stay tuned to e-Update for upcoming topics in the series.

GO ON-LINE TO STAY UP-TO-DATE ON MEDICAL FACULTY COUNCIL'S GOALS AND ACTIVITIES

You can now view updates of the School of Medicine's Faculty Council on the web at http://medicalcouncil.med.miami.edu. Information you can access at the site includes minutes of past meetings (updated monthly), a member directory, the council's rules of governance, and more.

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS FOR TEAM CAPTAINS OF THE 2001 AMERICAN HEART WALK

Open your heart for the American Heart Association (AHA) and become a team captain for the upcoming 2001 Miami-Dade American Heart Walk, September 22. This year the University of Miami will return a favor of sorts, hosting the event as a proud recipient of more than $6 million in AHA grants this past year. If you sign up to be a team captain, responsibilities will include recruiting ten or more participants and donations for your team, submitting a Captain's Report, and turning in all funds collected by your team. Team captains also will be honored at a reception at the South Beach Colony Theatre on August 22. To sign up as a captain, call Jennifer Pinto or Zelda Calvert at 305-243-3209 or e-mail jpinto@miami.edu by August 13.

BASCOM PALMER CLINIC OFFERS SUMMERTIME SPECIAL ON EYEGLASSES

Optical Services at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute invites you to take advantage of its "Double Up" special, going on now through September. A complete pair of single vision prescription eyeglasses is $59, or buy a second pair and pay only $89 for both. Bifocal lenses are $79, or "Double Up" for $109. Progressives (invisible bifocals) are $109 for one pair, or $159 for two. All packages include a great frame selection, prescription lenses, UV protection, tint of choice for sunglasses, and a stylish case. Don't forget to ask about the back-to-school specials for kids. These reduced prices are offered exclusively to UM/Jackson employees, their families, and students. Optical Services is located at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, 900 N.W. 17th Street, first Floor. Questions? Call 305-326-6092.

QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICARE BILLING?
CONTACT THE OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE

Address questions regarding Medicare billing and compliance to Third Party Reimbursement/Office of Compliance at 305-243-HELP or 1-877-415-HELP. For more information about the help line or training programs offered by the compliance office, contact Gemma Romillo at 305-243-5842.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

LEARN TO EXPRESS YOURSELF AT EAP ASSERTIVENESS TRAINING

Do you have trouble asserting yourself? Do you have a hard time expressing your rights and feelings or do you sometimes act too pushy in an effort to make yourself heard? The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) wants to teach you the necessary skills to successfully assert yourself with "Assertiveness Training." This four-session course begins August 8, noon to 1 p.m., at the Dominion Parking Garage, Suite 155. The second installment will be August 17, same time and location, and the course continues through the following two Fridays. Participants will develop individual styles of communication, learn assertive techniques, and discover how to decrease passivity as well as hostility in various situations. To register or for more information, call EAP at 305-284-6604.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE HELPS YOU USE TIME TO YOUR BEST ADVANTAGE

Learn how to better manage your time and make the most of each hour in your work and personal life at "Time Management," presented by the Employee Assistance Program. This class will be held August 9, noon to 1:30 p.m., at the Dominion Parking Garage, Suite 155. For more details and a registration form, call 305-284-6604.

HELP "GROOVE UP" ELIZABETH VIRRICK PARK TO JUMP START 2001 UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN

Join the University of Miami and United Way of Miami-Dade County for "Groovin' Up the Grove" to kick off the organization's 2001 campaign. Community volunteers are needed to restore Elizabeth Virrick Park in Coconut Grove on August 16, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Your best efforts are needed to paint, landscape, lay sod, install playground equipment, and more. University shuttle buses will pick up medical campus volunteers in front of Miami Subs near the Diabetes Research Institute. If you will provide your own transportation, you can find the clean-up team at the park, 3580 Day Avenue, West Coconut Grove. Obtain permission from your supervisor, and call Allison Gillespie at 305-284-3668 by Friday, August 10, for a registration form.

LEARN SUCCESSFUL COMMUNICATION STYLES TO IMPROVE CUSTOMER SERVICE

"Frontline Skills for Service Excellence" provides employees with the opportunity to practice telephone and face-to-face greetings, communication styles, listening skills, and more. This course is aimed at employees who have primary responsibility for service excellence in the workplace, and the class will be held August 16, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Dominion Parking Garage, Suite 155. For more information or to register, call the Office of Professional Development and Training at 305-243-3090 or visit http://www.miami.edu/development-training.

NURTURE YOUR SOUL AND KICK IT INTO GEAR TO FIGHT WORKPLACE FRUSTRATIONS

Psychological frustration at work is often hidden, trivialized, or neglected. At "On the Job Training for the Soul," presented by the Department of Wellness and Recreation, you will learn how to acknowledge workplace frustrations and support colleagues to promote a healthy environment. The course also will provide you with spiritual tools to combat competitiveness, office politics, and abuses of power. This is a two-session course, beginning August 16, noon to 1 p.m. at the Dominion Parking Garage, Suite 155. The second installment will follow one week later, August 23, same time and location. Lunch will be provided at both sessions. For more information or to register, call 305-243-3090.


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