e-Update
February 19, 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
--Open Meeting on
New Medical Curriculum to be Held This Monday
--Dr. Jeffrey Rothstein of Johns Hopkins Presents Lecture on Lou Gehrig's
Disease
--Applications Available for State Grants Supporting Tobacco-Related
Disease Research
--Calling All Inventors! Compete for Grant Money from Technology Transfer
Programs
--Herald Article Details Back-to-Back Heart Transplants by Dr.
Eliot Rosenkranz
--Purchasing Card Program Announces Software Providing Expanded Services
On-Line
--Shape Up for Springtime with Weight Watchers Program on Medical Campus
--Upcoming Calendar Events
NEW CURRICULUM TO BE ADDRESSED
AT OPEN MEETING NEXT MONDAY
The implementation
of the School of Medicine's new integrated curriculum for August 2001
is on schedule, and efforts that began in 1996 with the school council's
task force on medical education are coming to fruition. There is a remarkable
and exciting revolution occurring in North American and European medical
education. As a medical school striving for excellence, it is imperative
that the school moves forward with the modernization of its curriculum,
promoting integration, using active adult learning methodologies, and
introducing new content and skills required of physicians in the 21st
century. The new curriculum will be introduced to next year's entering
class of first year students, while students currently enrolled will
continue to progress through the existing curriculum. In order to provide
updated information and include interested faculty in this process,
there will be monthly open meetings where information and dialog will
be shared. The steering committee, module leaders, dean, and associate
deans in medical education will attend these meetings to hear from faculty
and answer questions. The open meetings will be held in the RMSB 5th
floor auditorium at 5 p.m., with the first meeting to be held this Monday,
February 19. Mark your calendar for subsequent meetings on March 28,
April 25, May 30, June 27, and July 18. Your participation in these
meetings and in all other aspects of this exciting and important initiative
is strongly encouraged.
RENOWNED NEUROSCIENTIST
TO DISCUSS LOU GEHRIG'S DISEASE AT UPCOMING LECTURE
Join Jeffrey Rothstein,
M.D., vice chairman of the Department of Neurology at Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine and recipient of the first-ever Lois Pope
LIFE International Research Award, as he presents "ALS: Evolution from
Pathogenesis to Therapy," February 22, 4:30 p.m., at the Lois Pope LIFE
Center, seventh floor. Dr. Rothstein is renowned for his extensive research
on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), better known as Lou Gehrig's
disease, a progressive neurological disorder that destroys motor neurons
controlling voluntary movement. Dr. Rothstein also will present "Glutamate
Transporters: Function and Dysfunction in Neurological Disease," on
February 23, 11 a.m., in Bascom Palmer's Retter Auditorium.
STATE TO PROVIDE GRANT
FUNDING FOR RESEARCH PROJECTS STUDYING TOBACCO-RELATED DISEASES
The Florida Biomedical
Research Program has made $6.8 million available for grant funding on
biomedical research programs. Research grants funded through this program
must address the prevention, diagnosis, and/or treatment of tobacco-related
diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pulmonary
disease. The maximum grant award is $200,000 annually. Investigator-Initiated
Research Projects that are hypothesis driven and fully developed with
promising preliminary studies or supporting data will be funded for
a maximum duration of 25 months, along with New Investigator Research
Projects conducted by individuals who have not previously received national
research awards (similar to the National Institutes of Health K grants).
These projects also must be developed with supporting data and these
new investigators should be under the mentorship of a senior investigator.
They will be funded for a maximum of 37 months. Call for Grant Applications
and application forms are available through February 28, and proposals
are due March 23. For more information and application forms, call the
Office of Research Administration at 305-243-6232.
UM INVENTORS CALLED TO
COMPETE IN TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER GRANT PROGRAMS
The Office of Technology
Transfer is proud to announce the second year of two programs designed
to encourage UM faculty to submit Invention Disclosures: the GAP Fund
Award Program (GFP) offers seed money to support early stage research
with commercial potential, and the Invention Recognition Program (IRP)
offers money for inventions resulting in patent applications filed between
December 1999 and January 2001. For more details, click on http://www.med.miami.edu/technology_transfer/gapannounce2.html
and http://www.med.miami.edu/technology_transfer/IRPannounce.html.
DR. ELIOT ROSENKRANZ PERFORMS
BACK-TO-BACK HEART TRANSPLANTS
Two children got
a new lease on life last Wednesday through remarkable back-to-back heart
transplants at the medical center. An eight-year-old girl from Hialeah
and a ten-year-old boy from Miami received the organs from donor families
and are recovering at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Eliot Rosenkranz, M.D.,
associate professor and chief of pediatric cardiac surgery in the Department
of Surgery , performed the operations. To read a Miami Herald article
detailing this story, visit http://www.herald.com/content/thurs/living/health/digdoce/081261.htm.
NEW SOFTWARE PROGRAM OFFERS
EXPANDED SERVICES FOR PURCHASING CARD PROGRAM
Please note the
correct telephone number below to inquire about the Purchasing Accounting
Reporting Information System (PARIS 4.1), a software application from
UM's Purchasing Card Program that provides online access to PCard transactions.
You can now make account number and object code changes directly from
your computer. Access to PARIS will eliminate manual journal entries
and allows access to PCard transactions 48 hours after posting. If you
think your department would benefit from using PARIS, visit the PCard
web site at http://www.miami.edu/pcard.
Contact Debi Markland at 305-284-2417 for more information and a complete
list of services.
TRIM YOUR WAISTLINE AND
EAT HEALTHY WITH WEIGHT WATCHERS
Bathing suit season
starts early in South Florida and springtime is fast approaching, so
what better time than now to join Weight Watchers? The next session
begins February 20 and continues each Tuesday in ACC West room 128,
noon to 1 p.m. The eleven-week program costs $113 for new members. If
you have any questions or would like to participate, call Frances Kaniewski
at 305-243-1052.
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!
EMPLOYER SUPPORT SOLUTIONS VISITS CAMPUS TO DISCUSS RETIREMENT PLAN ISSUES
Charles Cosonas
and Wil Hartshorn of Employer Support Solutions, formerly known as Progressions,
will be on campus to discuss "Making Important Decisions at Retirement-Retirement
Plan Distributions." Learn more about tax consequences regarding lump
sum distributions. The lecture will be held at the Professional Development
and Training Office, 155 Dominion Parking Garage, February 19 and February
28, 9 to 10 a.m. Seating is limited, so call 305-243-3090 to reserve
your space.
ALL FACULTY WELCOME TO
ATTEND THIS WEEK'S FACULTY SENATE MEETING
The Faculty Senate
will meet February 21, 3:15 p.m., in the Faculty Club on the University's
Coral Gables campus. Stay tuned to e-Update for future meetings.
REGISTER NOW FOR EASTERN-ATLANTIC
STUDENT RESEARCH FORUM AT SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
The annual Eastern-Atlantic
Student Research Forum will be held February 21 - 23 at the School of
Medicine. Medical students, residents, and fellows from the United States
and other countries will display oral and poster presentations of their
research projects. This year's forum will include an Ethics Plenary
Session and New Frontiers in Transplant Plenary Session. The keynote
speaker is Robert Sackstein, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of surgery
and medicine, Harvard Medical School, and director, Translational Research
Programs Bone Marrow Transplant Service, Massachusetts General Hospital.
For more information or to register, call 305-324-4455, extension 3722,
or visit http://chroma.med.miami.edu/esrf.
ELDERCARE SUPPORT GROUP
HELPS TO ASSIST CAREGIVERS
If you are a member
of one of the 22.4 million households nationwide that are caring for
someone over the age of 50, you realize the stresses that accompany
caregiving can be overwhelming. The Employee Assistance Program will
sponsor an Eldercare Support Group to assist you in your role as a caregiver.
This group will provide an opportunity to share experiences and learn
what has helped others. The Eldercare Support Group meets February 22,
noon to 1 p.m., in the Professional Development and Training Office,
Dominion Parking Garage, Suite155. For more information, call at 305-284-6604
or e-mail Sregister@miami.edu.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAM TO BE HELD ON MEDICAL CAMPUS
Beginning February
23 on the medical campus, University faculty and other notable presenters
will guide you to a better understanding of such topics as quality,
the team concept, strategic planning, managing change, ethics, and values.
To apply for the "Leadership Skills Development Program," you must demonstrate
a potential for leadership through volunteer service to the University
of Miami community, continued study for professional development; be
classified as Research Professional, Administrative/Professional, or
Faculty; be employed by the University for at least one year, and you
must have received an above-average total rating on each performance
appraisal. A supervisor's endorsement also is required. For more information,
or an application, call Beth Melray or Sandi Newby at 305-243-3090.
TIAA-CREF VISITS CAMPUS
TO ANSWER YOUR FINANCIAL QUESTIONS
Frank del Busto
, a representative from TIAA- CREF, will be at the Professional Development
and Training Office, 155 Dominion Parking Garage, February 23, to conduct
individual financial counseling sessions. He will address your financial
questions and also discuss retirement planning issues. To schedule an
appointment, visit http://www.tiaa-cref.org/moc
or call Mike Odom at 800-842-2003, extension 3522.
MASTERS IN PSYCHIATRY CONFERENCE
TO FOCUS ON PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY ADVANCES
The Department of
Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, in collaboration with the Florida
Psychiatric Society, presents the third annual Masters of Psychiatry
conference, February 23 - 25, at the Eden Roc Resort & Spa in Miami
Beach. The conference will feature a psychopharmacology update and also
offers a pre-conference course in computer applications. UM faculty
may be eligible for tuition remission. For more information or to register,
call Emily Grimm at 800-521-7465 or visit http://www.mastersofpsychiatry.com.
REGISTER NOW FOR TEACHING
CONFERENCE ON HEART AND STROKE
Registrations are
now being accepted for the 33rd annual "Teaching Conference in Clinical
Cardiology and Stroke," February 23 - 25, at the Hyatt Regency Miami.
A reduced fee of $100 is available for UM physicians, physician assistants,
nurse practitioners, and nurses. Presented by the Center for Research
in Medical Education (CRME), in cooperation with the American Heart
Association, the conference is a primary care update focusing on needs
inherent to managed care, especially related to bedside skills training.
UM faculty and CRME director Michael Gordon, M.D., Ph.D., will lecture,
along with visiting professors from medical centers around the country.
For more information, call 305-243-6491.
REGISTRATIONS NOW BEING
ACCEPTED FOR UPCOMING PEDIATRIC NEPHROLOGY SEMINAR
The Division of
Continuing Medical Education presents "Pediatric Nephrology Seminar
XXVIII," February 23 - 27, at the Fontainbleau Hilton Resort, Club Atlantic,
in Miami Beach. Conceptual and practical issues will be featured in
a balance of formal presentations and informal discussions. For more
information or to register, call 305-243-6716 or visit http://www.cme.med.miami.edu.
WATCH THE MEN'S BASKETBALL
TEAM TAKE ON THE UCONN HUSKIES THIS WEEK
The Hurricanes men's
basketball team takes on West Virginia University on February 28,7 p.m.,
at the Miami Arena. Be sure to mark your calendar and buy your tickets
to this Big East Conference match-up. For tickets call 800-GO-CANES,
or stop by the Hecht Athletic Center on the Coral Gables campus.
NURSING OPEN HOUSE TO BE
HELD AT UM/SYLVESTER
There will be a
Nursing Open House on March 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sylvester Comprehensive
Cancer Center, conference room 1301. Please bring your resume, licensures,
and certifications.
REGISTER NOW FOR INTENSIVE
GERIATRIC TRAINING 2000 CONFERENCE
The Miami Geriatric
Education Center is offering Psychologists an opportunity to earn 20
Continuing Medical Education Credits. The offered course is part B of
the Intensive Geriatric Training 2000 Conference to be held March 1
- 3. The cost of the psychology module is $125. University of Miami
and JMH employees are offered reduced prices, and group rates are available
for three or more. For more information or to register, call Miami Geriatric
Education Center at 305-243-6270.
UPCOMING CME PROGRAM TO
ADDRESS CLINICAL ETHICS
The Division of
Continuing Medical Education presents "Clinical Ethics: Debates, Decisions,
Solutions," March 2, at the Sheraton Ft. Lauderdale Airport Hotel, in
Fort Lauderdale. For more information, call 305-243-5613 or email ethics@med.miami.edu
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE SPONSORS
PROGRAM ON INFECTIONS IN THE OUTPATIENT SETTING
"Serious Infections
in the Outpatient Setting," will present up-to-date information on the
management of serious infections which primary caregivers may encounter,
March 9 ñ 10, at the Hyatt Regency Miami. This course will include lectures
on Diagnosis and Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Infectious
Diseases in the Traveler, and The Patient with Pneumonia. The program
has been approved for nine continuing education or consultant pharmacist
credits by the Florida Board of Pharmacy and the American Council on
Pharmaceutical Education. Course tuition is $35.00. For more information,
contact the Division of Continuing Medical Education at 305-243-6716
or visit http://cme.med.miami.edu.
DR. CAMILLO RICORDI IS
FEATURED LECTURER AT DIABETES HEALTH-EXPO
More than 300 exhibitors
with products and services to help people with diabetes and leading
experts in the field will gather for the Diabetes Health-Expo, March
16 ñ 18, at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Special classes on exercise,
cooking, stress-management, creating a healthy lifestyle, and free health
screenings will be offered. For more information call 877-633-EXPO,
or visit http://www.diabeteswellness.org
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