e-Update
September 9,
2003
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
--Neurobiology Lecture
--Research Account Numbering to Change in October
--Acupuncture Now Available to Employees
--New Group Mental Health Program
--Perfect Attendance Incentive System
--Longtime Employees Honored
--Health in Aging Activities Scheduled
--2003 Geriatric Epilepsy Conference in Coral Gables
--Research Ethics Conference
--Sponsored Research Training
--Two New Healthcare Management Courses
--Weight Loss Program for Employees
--Small Bowel Transplant Symposium
--Call for Papers on Anxiety Disorders
--Upcoming Calendar Events
VISITING RESEARCHER LECTURES ON NEUROBIOLOGY
R. Douglas Fields, Ph.D., is the head of the Neurocytology and Physiology Unit
at the National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Child Health and
Human Development. He will speak tomorrow on Action Potentials in Regulation
Myelination and Development of Schwann Cells at noon in the seventh-floor
auditorium of the Lois Pope LIFE Center. Dr. Fields will discuss his work
on electric activity and gene expression and the nature of axon-glia communication.
Dr. Fields is the first speaker in the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis Gail
F. Beach Memorial 2003-2004 Visiting Lectureship Series. For more information
please call 305-243-7108.
CHANGE IN SPONSORED ACCOUNT NUMBERING SYSTEM
Employees who use sponsored account numbers, like grant managers, should take
note of an important policy change regarding account numbers coming in October.
Due to the high volume of six-digit sponsored account numbers (sponsored
accounts begin with the number 6), the Information Technology Office is going
to begin using letters in the last one or two digits of new account numbers.
Please make sure that the system you are operating on will accept alpha characters
in the last two digits of account numbers. This policy change will not affect
existing account numbers – only new numbers issued beginning in October.
Questions can be referred to Terry Diaz in the Controller’s Office
at tadiaz@miami.edu or to Bob Burns
in Information Technology at bobb@miami.edu.
REDUCE STRESS WITH ACUPUNCTURE ON THE MEDICAL CAMPUS
Acupuncture can give you more energy, make you feel calmer and increase your
vitality. Now on the Medical Campus you can get treatments at the Employee
Stress Reduction Acupuncture Clinic in Dominion Tower for only a $20 co-payment.
Relax in the comfort of an oversized recliner while you listen to the soothing
sounds of music therapy and receive acupuncture. We also have pharmaceutical-grade
whole food and herbal supplements available to faculty and staff at wholesale
prices. Clinic hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and
also on Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Call the Division of Complementary & Integrative
Medicine at 305-243-4751 with questions or to schedule an acupuncture appointment.
MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM FOR MED CAMPUS EMPLOYEES
Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Is your sleep pattern off? Are you exhibiting
self-destructive behaviors? The Department of Psychiatry's Division of Complementary & Integrative
Medicine together with University of Miami Behavorial Health are sponsoring
group sessions to address individual issues. The group, called Transitions,
will meet every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Dominion Tower Room 412,
and will be facilitated by Janet Konefal, Ph.D., M.P.H., C.A. Sessions are
free to all University employees. Dr. Konefal will be incorporating the newest
technology of change, Meta-Energetics, which has been dubbed the 'future
of psychotherapy.' Please e-mail ejowaisas@med.miami.edu or
call 305-243-4751 to secure your space in a group. Sessions begin September
24th.
PERFECT ATTENDANCE REWARDS PROGRAM
Adelfa Morales, a research/clinical specialist 1 in the Department of Neurology,
won two round-trip airline tickets to anywhere in the U.S. as part of the
Perfect Attendance Award Program. The program is designed to recognize nonexempt
and exempt employees who do not use sick time or a leave of absence during
the six-month periods from June through November or December through May
each year. The other finalists were Luis A. Casalins, Medical Information
Technology; Mabel Garcia, Pediatrics; Yanick N. Gilbert, Pediatrics; Derek
Lawrence, Medical Purchasing; and Arian Padron, Department of
Surgery. The drawing for the next finalists will be held in January 2004. For
details about the Employee Perfect Attendance Program e-mail sevaldk@miami.edu or madiaz@miami.edu or
call 305-284-4190.
LONG SERVICE AWARDS
More than 330 people on the medical campus have worked for the University of
Miami for at least ten years. All of them will be honored on Tuesday, September
30, in the seventh-floor auditorium of the Lois Pope LIFE Center. Everyone
who will be recognized at the ceremony will be notified in advance but all
employees are welcome to attend. Ten-year recipients will be honored at 1
p.m. and employees with at least 15 years of service will be honored beginning
at 3 p.m. For more information please call Human Resources at 305-243-6482,
or e-mail asangar@med.miami.edu.
HEALTH IN AGING WEEK ACTIVITIES
September is national “Health in Aging Month” and the University
of Miami Center on Aging is hosting several events during “UM Health
in Aging Week.” Things kick off this Saturday, September 13, at the ‘Canes/East
Carolina football game. Starting at 7 p.m. the center will host a hospitality
tent with free medical screenings, information, and refreshments. On Tuesday,
September 16, all Medical School faculty and staff are invited to a scientific
research session on aging at noon in room 3208 of the Mental Health Hospital
Center at the corner of NW 17th Avenue and NW 9th Street. Lunch will be served.
Wednesday at 4 p.m. Tony Burns, chairman of the UM Center on Aging’s
advisory board and a member of the University’s Board of Trustees, will
lecture on “Positive Aging” at the Lowe Art Museum. The week’s
activities wrap up at a three-day Aging in the Americas International Conference
at the Wyndham Grand Bay Hotel in Coconut Grove. For more information about
any of these events, contact Adrienne Goldberg at 305-355-9096, or by e-mail
at ajaret@med.miami.edu.
GERIATRIC EPILEPSY SYMPOSIUM
The 2003 International Geriatric Epilepsy Symposium comes to South Florida
this week for an important three-day conference. World specialists in neurobiology,
aging, and epidemiology will share their research at the Biltmore Hotel beginning
Friday, September 12, and the University of Miami, the Miami Veterans’ Affairs
Hospital, and Jackson Memorial Hospital are all sponsors. The conference,
which was first held in 1994, concludes on Sunday, September 14. The deadline
for registration is today, Tuesday, September 9, and the fee for the full
conference is $240 – less for medical professionals and students. You
can view the program and register online at http://www.iges2003.com.
HEALTH RESEARCH ETHICS CONFERENCE
Gail Shor-Posner, Ph.D., and Kenneth Goodman, Ph.D., will lead a two-day seminar
entitled Health Research Ethics in the Americas on September 12 and 13 in
the seventh-floor auditorium of the Lois Pope LIFE Center. The conference
will focus on the principles, values, and complications of international
research with human subjects and will feature interactive sessions. To register,
please contact Raul Diaz at 305-243-3213 or e-mail rdiaz7@med.miami.edu
SPONSORED RESEARCH MANDATORY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
At the present time, the educational sessions are open to administrators who
are involved in any sponsored research activity at the University of Miami.
The required departmental administrator/personnel certification program is
divided into five sessions held over a two-and-a-half day period and includes
instruction on proposal processing, sponsor awards, transactions affecting
sponsored accounts as well as governmental regulations and University policies.
Administrators and departmental personnel need to register, by clicking on
this link: http://www.miami.edu/development-training.
Select "Online Catalog" at the top of the left column, then "Alphabetical
Course Listing" in the left column, then choose "Sn" from
the alphabetical listing, and view the course details. To sign up, click
on "Register Here!" in the left column - be sure to choose five
sequential dates. Later this fall investigators will be required to attend
a two-and-a half hour educational program on different aspects of sponsored
programs. The program for investigators will begin in the fall and a notice
will be issued when the program is ready. For more information, e-mail Jill
Tincher in the Office of Controller at jtincher@med.miami.edu
HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT COURSES REGISTERING NOW
The Certificate Program in Healthcare Management is now accepting registration
for two certificate courses that begin this month: “Technology and
Its Effects on the Healthcare Industry” (September 22 to October 20),
and “Economic Structures” (September 24 to October 22). These
classes meet from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday for five weeks.
This is a six-course program, 15 hours each, at a cost of $375 per course.
Enrollees who start by taking these two courses now can complete the Certificate
in Healthcare Management by May 2004. Tuition remission is available
to University of Miami employees if the program is work related. You can
obtain more information about each course by checking http://www.miami.edu/koubek under “Courses
Taught in English.” To register through the tuition remission program,
please e-mail mlozano@miami.edu with
your supervisor’s approval and include your Social Security number,
name, address and phone numbers.
NEW WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM
Preliminary registration is underway for a 16-week weight loss program called “FitExpress” which
is uniquely designed to help you achieve your fitness goals. The program will
help you structure your day to help with weight loss, team you up with others
who share your goal, and keep you progressing toward that goal. The entire
16-week program costs $144, but there’s a caveat – entrants who
achieve their goals get half their money back! Dates aren’t set for the
program yet, but to register or for more information, please call 305-243-3209.
SMALL BOWEL TRANSPLANT SYMPOSIUM SET FOR THIS WEEK
The 8th International Small Bowel Transplant Symposium begins tomorrow and
continues through Sunday, September 13, at the Sheraton Bal Harbour Beach
Resort on Miami Beach. Contact the Division of Continuing Medical Education
for registration information or for more details, at 305-243-6716, or by
e-mail at oreyes@med.miami.edu
CALL FOR PAPERS ON ANXIETY DISORDERS
The Anxiety Disorders Association of America is announcing a call for papers
in advance of its national conference in Miami this spring. The 24th Annual
Conference of the ADAA will be held March 11 to 14, 2004, at the Hyatt Regency
in downtown Miami. The deadline for submitting individual and group presentations
is this Friday, September 12, and submissions of new research posters are
due November 21. To download a submission form or for more information see
the ADAA web site at: http://www.adaa.org or
call 240-485-1001.
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. Medicare and billing
concerns? Address questions to Third Party Reimbursement/Office of Compliance
at 305-243-HELP or 877-415-HELP. For information about this helpline or training
programs offered by the compliance office, contact Gemma Romillo at 305-243-5842.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
UM/SYLVESTER WOMEN’S WELLNESS EVENTS
In recognition of September being Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, UM/Sylvester
is hosting “Women’s Wellness Days” over two days in two
locations. On Wednesday, September 17, Aaron Wolfson, M.D., Leo Twiggs, M.D.,
and the Courtelis Center’s Fariba Ostovary, A.R.N.P., will address
women’s health at UM/Sylvester at Deerfield Beach, 1192 East Newport
Center Drive. On Friday, September 19, Luis Mendez, M.D., Giselle Ghurani,
M.D., Nicholas Lambrou, M.D., genetic counselor Talia Donenberg, and Fariba
Ostovary, A.R.N.P., will speak in the UM/Sylvester conference room, SCCC
1301. These meetings will emphasize early detection, prevention, diagnosis,
and treatment of gynecologic cancers and are open to the public, but seating
is limited. For more information please call 1-800-545-2292.
TYPE 2 DIABETES SEMINAR TO FOCUS ON BASAL/BOLUS INSULIN THERAPY
Faculty and staff of the University of Miami School of Medicine and Jackson
Memorial Medical Center will lead a program called Practical Tools for Glycemic
Control in Type 2 Diabetes: Basal/Bolus Insulin Therapy on Saturday, September
20, in Orlando. Presenters will focus on practical tools for glycemic control.
The program runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Westin Grand Bohemian Hotel.
Contact the Division of Continuing Medical Education for registration information
or for more details, at 305-243-6716, or by e-mail at umcme@med.miami.edu
LOWER BACK PAIN GRAND ROUNDS
The Department of Rehabilitation Medicine is holding grand rounds with Andrew
Sherman, M.D., titled Evidence-Based Treatment of Lower Back Pain – What
Does the Literature Tell Us? Join Dr. Sherman on Friday, September 26, from
12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the UM/Sylvester conference room, SCCC 1301. For more
information please contact the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at 305-243-4739.
HUMAN SUBJECTS SEMINAR
The Human Subjects Research Seminar for September will feature Maria J. Arnold
speaking on Principal Investigator's Responsibility for Conducting Research
Studies. The seminar will be held on September 30 at the Mailman Center,
Room 3023, from noon to 1 p.m. Advance registration is required as room
capacity is limited. Please e-mail mabraham@med.miami.edu to
reserve your space.
FINANCIAL ADVISORS VISIT CAMPUS THIS MONTH
FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSULTATIONS
Representatives from Fidelity Investments and Lincoln Life will visit the medical
campus in the coming weeks to conduct individual financial counseling sessions.
Lincoln Life will be on hand September 15 and 16, and Fidelity will hold appointments
on September 30. All meetings will be held at the Human Resources Benefits
Office, 901 N.W. 17th St., Suite D. To schedule an appointment with Fidelity,
call 800-642-7131. For a session with Lincoln Life, call 866-524-2443 or e-mail ahugdahl@lnc.com.
DON’T MISS THE BOAT – SHIPBOARD FUNDRAISER TO
BENEFIT ALS
The UM Department of Neurology and the Kessenich Family MDA ALS Center have
arranged for an elegant three-day family cruise on the Carnival Spirit to raise
money for research into Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis – Lou Gehrig’s
Disease. The ship departs on December 6th with more than 100 families aboard.
Along with stops in the Bahamas, exquisite dining, and all regular shipboard
activities, guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, a lecture by Walter G.
Bradley, D.M., F.R.C.P., chairman of the Department of Neurology at UM, a book
signing and more. Tickets start at $315. Contact Susie Molina at 305-243-1005
or by e-mail at semolina@med.miami.edu for
reservations or more information.
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