--Kaiser Foundation Health Forum Event
--University Posts 2005 Health Insurance Rates and Co-Payments
--Voting Machine Demonstration and Voter Registration Come to Medical Campus
--Donating Eyeglasses for Haiti
--Modern Herbal Therapy for the Busy Clinician Seminar
-- MAGEC Ethno-Geriatric Conference, “Our Multi-Cultural Aging Communities: Clinical & Legal Realities”
--2004 Little Haiti Health Fair
--Human Subjects Research Opportunities
--Upcoming Calendar Events

KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH FORUM – NEW DATE AND TIME
As part of the Presidential Debate Lecture Series leading up to this year’s election, the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation and the School of Medicine are presenting “Why Care, Why Vote? What’s at Stake for Health in Election 2004,” on Wednesday, October 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Lois Pope LIFE Center seventh-floor auditorium. A picnic lunch for students will take place after the panel discussion at 1 p.m. This event was rescheduled from September. Dean John G. Clarkson will open the event, which will feature Judy Feder, Ph.D., professor and dean of the Georgetown Public Policy Institute, Georgetown University; Diane Rowland, Sc.D., executive vice president, Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation and executive director, Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured; and Bruce Vladeck, Ph.D., professor of health policy and geriatrics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Moderators are UM President Donna E. Shalala and CNN Medical Correspondent Sanjay Gupta, M.D. Seats are reserved for selected first- and second-year medical students but the forum will be simulcast online at www.mededu.miami.edu/Debate2004. For more information, please call 305-243-3453.

2005 HUMANA INSURANCE RATES AND CO-PAYMENTS ANNOUNCED
In 2005, Humana will replace UnitedHealthcare as the University's health insurance provider. Faculty and staff will receive various communications containing health care information prior to the Open Enrollment period, Monday, October 18, through Tuesday, November 16. To view the first Humana newsletter online, visit http://www.miami.edu/benefits/pdf/risingcost.pdf. This year faculty and staff will have six health care plan options. To view those options, visit http://www.miami.edu/benefits/2005/. Faculty and staff who wish to have health care coverage in 2005 must elect a new health care plan via the EASY system at https://easy.miami.edu during the Open Enrollment period. Your 2004 health care option will NOT roll over for 2005. Town Hall meetings have been scheduled to address the changes in employee health insurance coverage. Faculty and staff are encouraged to attend one of the town hall meetings listed below for more information.

VOTING MACHINE DEMONSTRATION AND VOTER REGISTRATION ON MEDICAL CAMPUS
Representatives from the Miami-Dade County Elections Department will be on the medical campus this Friday to demonstrate new touch-screen voting machines. The county is demonstrating the machines to make sure voters are comfortable with the voting process and training will be available in English, Spanish, and Creole. Representatives will also answer any questions about the voting process and help register those who are eligible to vote in the breezeway area by Au Bon Pain from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For any questions, please call 305-243-3453.

EYEGLASSES FOR HAITI
Do you have old prescription glasses lying around? There are children and adults in Haiti who could put them to good use. Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and Project Medishare will visit Haiti this November to conduct eyesight screenings, and they will match people’s eye care needs with your donated glasses. Please bring in your prescription glasses and drop them off at security locations around campus (see the list below). Donations will be accepted until Wednesday, November 3. For information about the eyeglasses drive, contact Jennifer Attonito at 305-243-7758. For information about the overall project and the trip to Haiti, contact Jennifer MacCormack at Project Medishare at 305-757-9555.

Please drop off your glasses at:

FACULTY SENATE MEETING TOMORROW
There will be a Faculty Senate meeting tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. on the Gables campus in the James W. McLamore Executive Center, Jenkins School of Business Administration Annex, third floor dining room. All faculty members are welcome to attend. Visit the Senate Web page for more information.

FACULTY SENATE 2005 OUTSTANDING TEACHING AWARD
Full-time faculty members are invited to submit nominations for this year's Outstanding Teaching Award. Award guidelines state that the "Awardee should have a substantial record of teaching at the University of Miami and will ordinarily be a member of the regular faculty." Faculty who teach in either large class or small settings are eligible. Prior nominees will be reconsidered without the need for renomination. Nominations should be submitted by Friday, October 8 to the Faculty Senate office via e-mail, fax: 305-284-5515, or interoffice mail to 325 Ashe, Locator Code 4634. To view nomination criteria and more detailed information regarding the award, visit www.miami.edu/faculty-senate/awards/04-05nomltrOTA.pdf.

HIPAA SECURITY AWARENESS UPDATE: BACK UP YOUR DATA
The availability of electronic data (files, records, etc.) to authorized individuals is critical to the continued operation of every enterprise. Whenever that data is no longer available or accessible, operations can come to a grinding halt. Electronic data may be lost for any reason: hard drive malfunction, accidental or intentional deletion, or corruption due to computer viruses, worms, and other malware (malicious software). Please remember to back up your data on a regular basis, at least once per week. Be sure to copy important files to other media such as a floppy disk, CD-ROM, external hard drive, or mini USB Drive. Take advantage of University network drives if available, and use them to store any critical data. Keep your back ups in a secure area away from the computer as a precaution against theft or damage. Although, in some instances, lost data can be recovered, the productivity lost due to “down time” cannot be recovered. The Office of HIPAA Privacy and Security is sending out periodic Security Awareness updates and reminders through e-Update. Should you have any questions or concerns, call 305-243-5000.

MODERN HERBAL THERAPY FOR THE BUSY CLINICIAN
Earn CME credits while spending an evening in this intensive seminar and learn about key herbs used in development of treatment strategies for asthma, thyroid dysfunction, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. The course instructor for the evening is Kerry Bone, B.Sc., Dip. Phyto (Diplomat of Phototherapy); Mark Multach, M.D., of the School of Medicine’s Department of Medicine, will provide an introduction to “Herbal and Integrative Medicine.” The seminar will be presented on Wednesday, October 13, from 4 to 8:30 p.m. at the Mayfair House Hotel in Coconut Grove. For more information, please contact Jason Torres in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Complementary Medicine, at 305-243-4751.

MAGEC ETHNO-GERIATRIC CONFERENCE
The Miami Area Geriatric Education Center (MAGEC) and the Miami VAMC GRECC will host the MAGEC Ethno-Geriatric Conference, “Our Multi-Cultural Aging Communities: Clinical & Legal Realities,” Wednesday, October 14, and Thursday, October 15, at the Doubletree Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay in Miami. As the older population increases, it will also grow more diverse, reflecting the demographic changes in the U.S. population as a whole over the past century. This educational event will focus on the healthcare and legal implications of serving a multi-ethnic elderly clientele. This course is designed for physicians, attorneys, nurses, psychologists, social workers, nursing home administrators, guardians, mental health professionals, and local community agencies serving the elderly. Please visit the MAGEC website at http://www.miami.edu/magec to preview the conference agenda, or call 305-243-6270 for additional information.

2004 LITTLE HAITI HEALTH FAIR
Students and physicians from the School of Medicine will provide health services such as vision screening, blood and cholesterol testing, cancer screening and physical examinations to the residents of Little Haiti at the 2004 Little Haiti Health Fair. The Health Fair will be held on October 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Center for Haitian Studies, 8260 N.E. 2nd Avenue, Miami. For more information, please contact Wendy Quirino at 786-853-0661 or via e-mail at wendyquirino@yahoo.com.

CONVERSATIONS ABOUT CANCER SERIES
Vanessa Fuelling, A.R.N.P., M.S.N., a nurse practitioner with UM/Sylvester’s Lung Cancer Site Disease Group, will talk about “An Overview of Lung Cancer,” as part of the Conversations about Cancer series on Monday, October 11, from noon to 1 p.m. at UM/Sylvester at Deerfield Beach, 1192 East Newport Center Drive, Suite 100. The presentation is free, and a light lunch will be provided. Please call 1-800-545-2292 to register. Seating is limited. For more information, contact Joanne Leahy at 954-571-0107.

FIELD GUIDE TO GENBANK AND NCBI MOLECULAR BIOLOGY RESOURCES SEMINAR
The Office of Graduate Studies and the UM DNA Microarray Facility will co-host the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)'s Field Guide to GenBank and NCBI Molecular Biology Resources Seminar on Wednesday, October 6. An overview of these resources will be introduced in the morning, and a hands-on computer workshop on GenBank and related databases covering effective use of the Entrez databases and search service, the BLAST similarity search engine, genome data and related resources will be held in the afternoon. The morning session will run from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the Rosenstiel Medical Sciences Building, room 6018. The afternoon session will run from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Calder Library Computer Room. Seating for both sessions is limited and will be available on a first come, first served basis.  Please RSVP directly to Dierdre Lacativa at dierdre@miami.edu.  In your reply, please indicate which session you would like to attend, your name, department and lab if applicable, phone number, and e-mail address. For more information about NCBI and their workshops, please visit http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Class/FieldGuide/

NEW WEB SITE FOR THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH COMPLIANCE ASSESSMENT
The Office of Research Compliance Assessment (formerly the Office of Research Compliance) has launched a Web site. Find out more about who they are and what they do, as well as review guidance documents on informed consent, records and reports, and research documentation. You can link to the page on the Office of Research homepage, or go to http://www.miami.edu/UMH/CDA/UMH_Main/0,1770,2425-1;27691-2,00.html.

FINANCIAL ADVICE FROM LINCOLN LIFE
A representative from Lincoln Financial Group will be at the medical campus to conduct individual financial counseling sessions today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Human Resources Benefits Office, 901 NW 17th St., suite D. To schedule an appointment, contact Aimee Hugdahl toll-free at 866-524-2443, or via e-mail at ahugdahl@LNC.com.

TIAA-CREF VISITS THE MEDICAL CAMPUS
A representative from TIAA-CREF will be on the medical campus on October 6 in the Human Resources Benefits Office, 901 NW 17th St., suite D, to conduct individual counseling sessions. To schedule an appointment, click here http://www.tiaa-cref.org/moc or call toll-free 1-800-842-2003 ext. 3522.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE SEMINARS
The Employee Assistance Program will present Managing Your Teen’s Behavior. The seminar is designed to provide simple and effective discipline strategies to parents, and will be especially helpful to busy working parents. Parents will be provided with a framework for developing and implementing discipline, as well as strategies for motivating teens to act responsibly. The seminar will be held on Thursday from 1 to 2:30 p.m in room 155 of the Dominion parking garage. For questions about content, contact your EAP at 305-284-6604.

EAP will also be presenting Motivating Others To Be Their Best on Wednesday, October 6, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in room 155 of the Dominion Parking Garage. This seminar, based on Thomas Connellan’s book, Bringing Out the Best in Others, will review strategies for motivating people to be their best.  Participants will discuss motivators and de-motivators, review three key principles of motivation, and practice strategies for bringing out the best in others. The seminar is a must if you are a parent, supervisor, little league coach, team member, or friend.

The Professional Development and Training Office has implemented a new online registration system to access the training calendars, enroll in a session, un-enroll, and view and print your transcript. Go to http://netlearning.miami.edu where you’ll find instructions and a brief tutorial. You need your UM identification number ("C number") and birth date to access the system. If you have any questions on using this new system, please call 305-243-3090. For questions about content, call the EAP at 205-284-6604. Supervisors are encouraged to post this notice for employees who do not have electronic access.

NEXTEL REPRESENTATIVES COMING
Representatives from Nextel will be in the Mailman Center, room 5003, every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Employees can stop by with questions about billing and service for Nextel phones and Blackberry personal data assistants, learn about special offers, and see new products. For more information, please call Medical IT at 305-243-5999.

ACC BASKETBALL SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Hurricane basketball tickets for the inaugural season in the Atlantic Coast Conference are on sale now.  Don't miss your chance to see some of the best teams in the nation including home games against the Duke Blue Devils, Maryland Terrapins, Wake Forest Demon Deacons and the 2004 NCAA Finalist Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.  To order, please visit http://www.fansonly.com/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/mifl/genrel/auto_pdf/04-05-employee-ticket-form, fill out the order form and fax to 305-284-3362 or call 305-284-CANES for more information.

WOMEN'S SPORTS DAY FOR UM SOCCER AND VOLLEYBALL
On Sunday, October 3, the Miami Hurricane Soccer and Volleyball teams will be hosting the Duke Blue Devils at 1 p.m. at Cobb Stadium and the Knight Sports Complex respectively.  All kids and their families are encouraged to arrive early for the pre-game party at 11:30 a.m.   Fans will be treated to food and beverages, family fun and a post-game autograph session with the women's soccer and volleyball teams.  Tickets are only $5 for adults and $3 for children and are available at the Cobb Stadium or Knights Sports Complex Main Entrance on Sunday.   For more information, please visit www.hurricanesports.com or call 305-284-2400.

HUMAN SUBJECT RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
The SPARE Study (Soy Phytoestrogens As Replacement Estrogen) is currently recruiting women between 45-58 years of age to study the role of soy phytoestrogens given in tablet form to prevent bone loss. Participants will be given a physical exam at study entry, an annual mammogram and bone density test, and will be asked to come for 10 study visits over a period of two years for blood tests and to complete questionnaires about diet, exercise, and well-being. Interested women should contact the SPARE Study Office at 305-243-4330 or via e-mail at aherrin@med.miami.edu.

Researchers at the MRI Center need healthy subjects for a magnetic resonance imaging study. For more information please visit http://midas.med.miami.edu/Research/MRStudies.htm.

The AIDS Clinical Research Unit, directed by Margaret A. Fischl, M.D., professor of medicine, is recruiting

For more information, contact Juan Caruso at 305-243-3838 or Leslie Thompson at l.Thompson@miami.edu.

The UM Skin Research Group, directed by Brian Berman, M.D., Ph.D., professor of dermatology and internal medicine, is conducting research studies now on keloids and in the near future on chronic idiopathic urticaria. If you are interested in participating, please contact us at 305-243-5519.

QUESTIONS ABOUT COMPLIANCE?
TWO UM HELPLINES CAN ASSIST YOU
Research integrity concerns? Report concerns regarding research integrity and adherence to federal or University regulations directly to the Office of the Vice Provost for Research at 305-243-6415, or you can call the University's toll-free, anonymous compliance hotline at 866-YOURCALL. Billing concerns? Address questions to the Office of Billing Compliance at 305-243-HELP or 877-415-HELP. For information regarding training programs offered by the Office of Billing Compliance, contact Gemma Romillo or Nancy Rivero at 305-243-5842.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

FIDELITY INVESTMENTS AVAILABLE TO ANSWER FINANCIAL QUESTIONS
A representative from Fidelity Investments will be on the medical campus on Thursday, October 21, in the Human Resources Benefits Office, 901 NW 17th St., suite D, to conduct individual counseling sessions. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-642-7131.

MEDICAL EDUCATION GRAND ROUNDS
Jenny Mladenovic, M.D., vice chair of the Department of Medicine and chief of the medical service at the VAMC, will be the guest speaker at Medical Education Grand Rounds on Friday, October 29, at noon in the Rosenstiel Medical Science Building, fifth floor. Lunch will be served. The title of Dr. Mladenovic’s presentation is “Competencies for the future physician and tools for their evaluation.” For more information, contact the Office of Educational Development at 305-243-7482.

2004 ACS INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH GRANT
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. Applicants must not have had any peer reviewed funding. An award of $20,000 is available for a one-year period. For guidelines and application forms, contact Dorothy Mills at 305-243-6292 or via e-mail at dmills@med.miami.edu. The deadline for applications is November 1.

28th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE “NEONATOLOGY 2004”
The Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics would like to announce their annual international conference, entitled “Neonatology 2004,” on November 10-13 at the Sonesta Beach Resort, Key Biscayne.  The topics presented should be of primary interest to neonatologists, pediatricians, obstetricians, respiratory therapists, and nurses involved in the delivery of perinatal care. For more information on course registration, please contact Lis Ravelo at 305-243-5808 or eravelo@med.miami.edu.

INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON BLOOD MANAGEMENT
The Division of Continuing Medical Education would like to invite faculty and staff to a two-day symposium about blood management and blood conservation strategies on November 20-21 at the Fontainebleau Hilton Resort in Miami Beach.  This unique program is a must attend conference for hospital policy makers, patient care professionals, blood bank professionals, military medical care providers and legal decision-makers, Jehovah Witness health experts, risk managers and legal professionals who are interested in the most recent advances in blood management for surgery, trauma and disasters. For more information on course registration, please contact the Division of CME at 305-243-6716 or kdavila@med.miami.edu. 

TEACHING CONFERENCE ON HEART & STROKE – EMPHASIZING WOMEN’S HEALTH
Registration is open for the 37th Annual Teaching Conference in Clinical Cardiology and Neurology, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, January 28-29, 2005 at the Hyatt Regency in Miami. The conference is a primary care update presented by the Center for Research in Medical Education. This year’s focus is heart disease and stroke in women. UM physician assistants, nurse practitioners and nurses can register for a reduced fee of $100 ($150 for UM physicians). CME credit and nurse contact hours can be earned up to a maximum of 15.5 hours. Tuition remission is available, awarded on a first-come first-served basis. The conference features a variety of School of Medicine faculty, led by Michael S. Gordon, M.D., Ph.D., David Lee Gordon, M.D., S. Barry Issenberg, M.D., and Joan Baker, R.N., M.S.N., C.C.R.N., C.N.R.N. Also presenting are visiting professors, Gordon A. Ewy, M.D., from the University of Arizona and Patrick S. Reynolds, M.D., from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. To register, or for more information, call 305-243-6491 or visit http://www.crme.med.miami.edu/meded_conf2005.html.