e-Update
March 20, 2000
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.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
--Cardiology Physician Recognized for Dedication to Medicine
--National Match Day is a Success for UM Medical Students
--Department of Psychiatry Set to Study the Elderly and Computers
--Sylvester Offers New State-of-the-Art Radiation Therapy
--Send Condolences/Donations for Late Dr. Haun to Pediatrics
--UM Travel Spares Employees Industry-Wide Service Charges
--Medical Purchasing Orders Can Now Be Made On-Line
--Upcoming Calendar Events
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY HONORS UMSM DOCTOR WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The Dade County Medical Association (DCMA) recently honored Joan Mayer, M.D., director of the Cardiology Teaching Programs in the Center for Research in Medical Education, for her lifetime of dedication to the medical profession. Dr. Mayer received the 2000 DCMA Lifetime Achievement Award earlier this month. Colleagues wishing to congratulate Dr. Mayer can attend the Doctors Day Reception and Awards Ceremony, March 30, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Sheraton Biscayne Bay on Brickell Point in Miami.
UMSM SENIORS FARE WELL ON NATIONAL MATCH DAY
The Class of 2000 had plenty to cheer about at this year's Match Day ceremony held March 16 at the Rosenstiel 3rd Floor Auditorium. Match Day is a rite carried out at medical schools across the U.S. in which seniors learn where they will spend the next several years of specialized training in a particular medical discipline. UM seniors shined this year, with 100 percent of the 142 applicants matching to a residency training program. Eighty percent matched to their first choice, well above the national overall average of 62 percent. Nationally, 475 couples--including four at UM--matched to residency programs together. For more Match Day statistics sign on to http://www.aamc.org/newsroom/start.htm. Also look for an extended article in April's Medical Center Update.
UNIVERSITIES COLLABORATE TO ENSURE OLDER AMERICANS BENEFIT FROM MODERN TECHNOLOGY
The National Institutes of Aging (NIA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have awarded a $3.2 million grant to Sara Czaja, M.D., professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, for a five-year study that will look at how age affects an older person's ability to use computers and other technical systems. Dr. Czaja will team up with researchers from Florida State University and Georgia Institute of Technology to form a multi-site Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE). The center will develop a comprehensive database of information on user needs and preferences, shortcomings of existing technical systems, and suggestions on potential design models to maximize use of technology.
NEW THERAPY AT SYLVESTER TARGETS TUMOR WHILE SPARING SURROUNDING ORGANS
UM/Sylvester is the only medical center in South Florida to offer a new type of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), a technology that focuses in on a tumor while shielding sensitive organs from harmful exposure to radiation. IMRT uses a computer-based inverse treatment planning system to modify the radiation intensity within the treatment field. At UM/Sylvester, a dynamic multi-leaf collimatorÛmetal bars in constant motionÛselectively blocks sensitive areas while exposing only the tumor to high doses of radiation. Use of this therapy can result in better control of the cancer and fewer treatment side effects. For more information on IMRT, call the UM/Sylvester information and referral center at 305-243-1000.
SEND CONDOLENCES FOR DR. HAUN TO PEDIATRICS, DIVISION OF GENETICS
Those wishing to express their condolences to the family of the late Ronald Haun, M.D., assistant professor and director of the Craniofacial Center in the Department of Pediatrics, should address them to the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics, Mailman Center, Room 5036, locator code D-820, attention Herbert Lubs, M.D. In addition, any donations can be made to a fund for the Ronald L. Haun Cleft Lip and Palate Lectureship. Dr. Haun died of a heart attack on March 1. The April issue of Medical Center Update will include a memorial of Dr. Haun, detailing his work and service at the School of Medicine.
UM-AFFILIATED TRAVEL AGENCY MAKES INDUSTRY RELATED CHANGES IN PURCHASING SERVICE
The University's direct charge method of purchasing airline tickets, a system where travel costs are deducted from a department's account, is a popular feature of UM's travel services. Many travel agencies have begun to issue service fees for this method, but UM travelers using Ecuatours, Four Seasons, Miami World, and Travel Source (agencies affiliated with UM) will not be charged these fees. One affiliated agency, Lorraine Travel, does not offer the direct charge method and recently began assessing a $15 service charge per ticket. Lorraine Travel does offer a six percent discount on American Airlines tickets, as well as access to state contract fares, a service the agency will continue to provide. For more information on travel services at UM, call 305-284-5369.
MEDICAL PURCHASING STREAMLINES ORDERING PROCESS WITH ON-LINE SYSTEM
The Purchasing Supply Management Team at the University encourages departments to submit purchase requisitions using the Departmental Purchasing View (DPV) system. DPV is an on-line ordering system, which reduces turn-around time and paperwork. To set up DPV in your office, or to obtain a training schedule on how to use the system or to access the on-line training manual, visit http://www.miami.edu/purchasing for more information. Contact Medical Purchasing at 305-243-5876 with any questions.
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!
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM PRESENTS SEMINAR FOR PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN
Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (S.T.E.P.) offers practical approaches to meeting the challenges of raising young children. Discussion topics will include communication and effective parenting, among others. The series begins on the medical campus on March 21 and runs for seven consecutive Tuesdays through May 9. Each meeting will be held in the Dominion Parking Garage, room 155, from noon to 1 p.m. To register, call the Employee Assistance Program at 305-284-6604.
SYLVESTER EDUCATION AND TRAINING PRESENTS ONCOLOGY LECTURESHIP
The first annual Egosi Memorial Lectureship (Conference on Neuroendocrine Tumors) will be held on March 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in Sylvester room 1301. The conference will focus on radiolabelled octreotide therapy for carcinoid tumors. Eugene Waltering, M.D., the James D. Rivers Professor of Surgery and Neuroscience at Louisiana State University, will be the event's keynote speaker. All faculty and staff are invited to attend. For more information, call Abby Walker 305-243-2287.
NEXT TOWN MEETING TO BE HELD APRIL 7 IN BASCOM PALMER'S RETTER AUDITORIUM
The upcoming Dean's Town Meeting has been rescheduled for 8:30 a.m., April 7, in the Retter Auditorium at Bascom Palmer. Join John Clarkson, M.D., senior vice president for medical affairs and dean of the School of Medicine, as he addresses current issues on campus. All faculty and staff are encouraged to attend and to offer their suggestions and opinions.
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