e-Update
April 24, 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. To submit news for publication, e-mail items to update@med.miami.edu.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
--University Names Interim Chair of Bascom Palmer
--New Director Appointed to UM Ear Institute
--Pediatric Psychology Director Addresses Key Issues in Elian Saga
--Faculty Members Share Technology Teaching Tips on New Web Site
--Miami Herald Article Cites UM Physician on Weight Loss Alternatives
--Upcoming Calendar Events
MEDICAL SCHOOL PROFESSOR NAMED AS INTERIM LEADER OF BASCOM PALMER
Richard Forster, M.D., professor in the Department of Ophthalmology, has been appointed interim chairman of the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and interim medical director of the Anne Bates Leach Eye Hospital. Dr. Forster's work has focused on cataract and corneal surgery, as well as postoperative ocular inflammations, clinical patient care, and research related to ocular microbiology and inflammatory diseases. He has been a member of the Bascom Palmer faculty since 1969.
NEW DIRECTOR APPOINTED TO UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI EAR INSTITUTE
Fred Telischi, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Otolaryngology, has been named director of the University of Miami Ear Institute. In his new position, Dr. Telischi will administer the clinical and academic activities related to disorders of hearing and balance. In addition, he will run the Microsurgical Training Center and oversee student, resident, fellow, and physician training.
UM CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST PARTICIPATES IN ON-LINE CHAT ABOUT ELIAN GONZALEZ
Alan Delamater, Ph.D., professor and director of the Psychology Division in the Department of Pediatrics, was the featured expert in a recent web chat on cnn.com. He answered questions regarding the negative psychological effects on Elian resulting from the ongoing custody battle for the Cuban boy, stressing that the best interests of the child must be considered. Dr. Delamater has appeared as an expert source on this issue on various national news shows in the past several weeks. A full transcript of the chat can be viewed at http://www.cnn.com/chat/transcripts/2000/4/delamater/index.html.
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE SURGEON FEATURED IN HERALD ARTICLE ON GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY
Patricia Byers, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Surgery and director of the Nutrition Service, was quoted in a recent article in The Miami Herald about gastric bypass surgery, a controversial alternative for weight loss. The surgery involves shrinking the size of an obese patient's stomach. The article concentrates on one of Dr. Byers' patients who has lost over 200 pounds and recently had a baby, a near impossibility before her surgery. Dr. Byers, who performs the surgery at UM, emphasized that the surgery should not be performed for cosmetic reasons, but is "a desperate measure." She also provides psychological counseling and support groups for patients. To view the full article, visit The Miami Herald at
http://www.herald.com/herald/content/sat/docs/living/091363.htm.
FACULTY MEMBERS OFFER TECHNOLOGICAL TEACHING METHODS ON NEW WEB SITE
Many University faculty are using technology to teach. The "Good Practices in Teaching with Technology" web site has been launched to share information about current faculty practices of instructing with technology. Contact information is posted along with each faculty member's suggestions, so you can be in touch with those setting the standard. You also may submit your teaching techniques by using the submission form on the site. "Good Practices in Teaching with Technology" can be accessed at http://www.miami.edu/iac/gptt. For more information, call Bill Vilberg at 305-284-3949.
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!
UM DOCTOR PARTICIPATES IN WEB CHAT ON VASCULAR DISEASE
Darwin Eton, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Surgery and chief of the Division of Vascular Surgery, will discuss peripheral vascular disease in an on-line chat on AmericasDoctor.com on April 27 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Those interested in joining this discussion can log on to http://www.AmericasDoctor.com and click on "Upcoming Events." As an AmericasDoctor.com sponsor, the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center has several such chats scheduled on a variety of topics throughout the coming months. Watch e-Update for more announcements on future chat programming.
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY BENEFIT CALLS FOR YOUR ATHLETIC SKILLS
The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life will be held April 28 through 29 at South Miami Senior High. Teams will compete in a variety of events in this 18-hour relay, and proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society. For more information or to sign up, call Joey Sosa or Cecilia Watson at 305-243-6771.
WALK/RUN WITH TEAM UM TO BENEFIT LEUKEMIA SOCIETY
Join TEAM UM at 6:45 p.m. on May 4 at Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami and
participate in the 16th Annual Club Med 5K Walk/Run to benefit the Leukemia
Society of America. Family and friends are welcome to join in the fun. Food
and beverages will be offered after the race. The department with the most
participants will win an office party. For more information or to register,
call the Wellness Center at 305-243-3209 or visit http://www.miami.edu/wellness.
Hurry! April 24 is the last day to register. | 