The Bank of America Charitable Foundation announced a $750,000 campaign gift to the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine and Holtz Children’s Hospital at Jackson Memorial on Monday. The bank’s gift will help support renovations to the neonatal intensive care unit and help create a new neonatal laboratory. It was Bank of America’s largest one-time gift to the medical school and continues a long tradition of support for the University of Miami, Jackson Memorial Hospital and the overall Civic Center area of Miami.

Need access to your network home directory or shared directories from off-campus? Need access to software that isn’t installed on the computer you are using? The Citrix Application Portal offers both when using web browsers such as Internet Explorer or Safari. It also creates a secure (encrypted) connection for applications that require added security measures. For instructions on how to use Citrix and a list of the applications available through it, visit Medical Information Technology at http://it.med.miami.edu/x510.xml.

Routine vision care is available through the Bascom Palmer Eye Care Network (BPECN) for University of Miami faculty, staff and dependents enrolled in a UM Humana health care plan.  The vision care benefit includes an annual eye exam with an optometrist of the BPECN with a $30 co-payment. A referral is not required. A directory of BPECN optometrists is located at http://www.miami.edu/benefits/pdf/Optometrists.pdf. For more information on the vision care benefit, please contact the BPECN at 305-243-9999.

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is assisting UM parents who have questions about the registration process for this summer’s voluntary pre-kindergarten (VPK) program. VPK provides state funding for children to attend an accredited and participating pre-kindergarten provider. The summer VPK program is available to children who did not attend VPK during the current school year. To qualify, a child must have turned 4 on or before September 1, 2005 to participate. For more information, please call the EAP at 305-284-6604.

If you are a member of Humana HMO Choice Plan, LabCorp is the only approved in-network laboratory for routine labs. Humana will deny payment of claims submitted for a Quest lab. If you receive your primary care at the Coral Gables Practice (Daystar) or at the University of Miami Physicians at Kendall and a specialist orders routine lab tests, the tests can be performed at your primary care physician's office. To ensure proper processing of tests and delivery of results, you will need a LabCorp requisition form completed by your specialist. You can pick up this form at the specialist's office or the specialist may mail or fax it directly to you. LabCorp sites are also available to provide this service and offer extended hours. For the location and hours of LabCorp Patient Service Centers, please visit the Benefits Administration website at http://www.miami.edu/benefits.

This year’s performance evaluations are to be forwarded to departmental human resources representatives by April 28 and entered into DHRS by May 1. For Bascom Palmer Eye Institute employees, medical human resources will enter the overall evaluation rating for evaluations received prior to May 1. For UMHC employees, evaluation ratings will be transferred electronically from Halogen to DHRS. Staff that do not have performance evaluations entered in DHRS by May 1 will not receive a merit increase in their June paychecks. Delayed merit increases will be retroactive to the effective date of the new rate.

Because of the evaluation and merit process, only transfers and new hires will be processed between May 1 and June 24. Other salary adjustments, reclassifications and/or promotions will be processed prior to May 1 or after June 24, and any such changes will be retroactive to the actual effective date.
 
If you have any questions or need additional information about this change, contact Karen Stimmell, associate director of Human Resources, at 305-326-6090, or e-mail kstimmell@med.miami.edu.

Performance Improvement Management is a highly interactive series of four half-day training sessions and one two-hour follow-up session. The goal of the series is to set expectations for University of Miami leaders and develop the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage employee performance. The course includes three modules: role of the manager, performance improvement management process and documentation. After the sessions, participants should be able to conduct an effective performance conference, explore the impact of non-performance improvement management, assess and analyze performance gaps and develop appropriate interventions, develop and implement action plans to ensure performance change, and document performance issues appropriately.

Biomedical Communications is offering free tutorials designed to assist UM faculty and staff in creating posters for presentations and conferences using Microsoft PowerPoint. The workshop covers a variety of PowerPoint tools including understanding menus, basics of page setup, choosing font types and sizes, importing objects as well as other steps needed to create impressive poster exhibits. These free sessions are for individual assistance and will be held on a one-to-one basis. For more information or to make an appointment, please contact Kim Loper at 305-243-6783.
 
Biomedical Communications can help you create high impact poster sessions, business presentations, indoor and outdoor signage, or art reproductions easily and affordably. The staff can also assist with photography and graphic design, scanning, enlargement and restoration, printing, mounting and lamination. Biomedical Communications is conveniently located on the lower level of the Louis Calder Memorial Library and open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, please visit http://calder.med.miami.edu/biomed.

Is your drive home from work a hassle? Here’s the solution: Vanpool. If you live in the area of Weston, Pembroke Pines, Miramar or Cooper City and work between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Vanpool has a ride for you. Call Marie during the day at 305-585-6480 (ext. 62527).

The Miami Lite program helps participants with weight loss, nutrition, controlling portion sizes, weight management techniques and guidelines for exercise. It is open to the public and is offered every Thursday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Diabetes Research Institute, first-floor Education Center. The cost is $20 per class or $150 for ten sessions. If you would like more information, please contact Anna M. Fraker at afraker@med.miami.edu or call 305-243-3455.

A representative from Lincoln Financial Group will be at the medical campus on March 13 to conduct individual counseling sessions. To schedule an appointment, contact Theresa Yong at 305-245-7332 or tmyong@lnc.com.

To ensure that your child car seat is installed correctly, a certified child passenger safety technician will be available on Wednesdays in front of the Mailman Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The service is available to everyone who transports children under the age of 12 in their vehicle. For more information, e-mail gstepanian@um-jmh.org, or call 305-243-3928 to set up an appointment. Priority will be given to those with appointments. The Injury Free Coalition for Kids is a division of Holtz Children's Hospital/ Miller School of Medicine.

• University Compliance (anonymous hotline): 866-YOURCALL
• Billing (anonymous hotline): 305-243-HELP or 877-415-HELP
• Research Integrity and Compliance: 305-243-6415
• Financial Improprieties: 305-284-2605
• Privacy Office/HIPAA: 305-243-5000 or 1-866-366-HUSH
• University Ombudsperson: 305-284-4922

Any University of Miami employee reporting or deciding whether to report activity that may be in violation of a law, rule, or regulation is protected against retaliation by the Whistleblower Protection Statement. For more information, visit the Office of Compliance site.

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The following classes are offered by The Leadership Academy and take place from 9 a.m. to noon in Dominion Parking Garage, suite 155. Seating is limited. To register for a session, visit http://netlearning.miami.edu.  For more information about the Leadership Academy, visit www.miami.edu/development-training/la, or call the Professional Development Training Office at 305-243-3090 or 305-284-5110.

Christopher Wilson, Ph.D., professor and chair, Department of Immunology, University of Washington, will present “Epigenetic Regulation of T Cell Function and Host Disease” on Thursday at noon in the Rosenstiel Medical Sciences Building, room 3109. This seminar is sponsored by the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. For additional information, please contact Michelle Perez at 305-243-6655.

S.T.E.P. (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting) Teen offers parents a realistic and practical approach to meeting the challenges of raising adolescents today. It helps parents learn effective and enjoyable ways to communicate with their teens and to achieve the goal of raising responsible children. Classes will be held on Friday and also on March 15 and 22, in Dominion Parking Garage, room 155, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. You may register online at http://netlearning.miami.edu (be sure to register for all sessions). If you have any questions on using the online registration system, call 305-284-5110 or 305-243-3090. For questions about content, call 305-284-6604.

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute presents its first Oculofacial Aesthetics Conference on Friday and Saturday in Bascom Palmer's Retter Auditorium. This symposium has been designed for oculoplastic surgeons, general plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, and cosmetic dermatologists interested in aesthetic facial enhancements. The meeting will present an update in oculofacial treatments, both surgical and nonsurgical, that will be relevant to the clinician in the evaluation and management of the cosmetic patient. For more information, please contact Karen Davila at 305-326-6110 or kdavila@med.miami.edu.

The Third Annual University of Miami HIV Winter Symposium will be held on Friday and Saturday in the Lois Pope LIFE Center, seventh-floor auditorium. This year’s topic is “Immunoregulation and Immunotherapy of HIV.” The goal is to present recent advances in the science of immunoregulation and the potential for immunotherapy. This event is free and breakfast and lunch will be served. For more information, please contact Ana Ayala at 305-243-5359, or e-mail aayala@med.miami.edu.

Donna Lundy, Ph.D., speech pathologist and associate professor, Department of Otolaryngology, will present “Speech, Swallowing, and Voice Issues Following Cancer Treatment” on Tuesday, March 14 from noon to 1 p.m. at UM/Sylvester at Deerfield Beach, 1192 East Newport Center Drive, suite 100. This presentation is free of charge and a light lunch will be served. Please call 1-800-545-2292 to register.

“Sponsored Programs Administration 101” was created to provide an overview of sponsored programs.  This on-line course will review the institutional and federal policies for submitting and managing sponsored programs. Participants will learn about the pre- and post-award process in the 90-minute course. After reviewing the course material, participants will take a brief test. This course will be a pre-requisite for staff interested in attending the Special Seminar Series.

Harvey Cohen, M.D., professor and director, Duke Center for the Aging and Human Development, will discuss “Geriatric Evaluation and Management Approach to Maximizing Functional Status for Older Persons” on Friday, March 17 at noon in the Diabetes Research Institute, conference room 1000. Lunch will follow the presentation. Reservations are required. To RSVP, please call 305-355-9080 or e-mail spurcell@med.miami.edu.

Leslie Baumann, M.D., director of the Division of Cosmetic Dermatology and the UM Cosmetic Center, will sign her new book, The Skin Type Solution, on Friday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m., at Barnes & Noble in Coral Gables, 152 Miracle Mile.
  
In The Skin Type Solution, Dr. Baumann presents her trailblazing concept of Skin Typology, bringing her proven brand of skin science and logic to the forefront of dermatology. Until now, the field of dermatology has lacked a rational and easy-to-follow model for identifying and treating different skin types and combinations. Based on thousands of case studies and backed by a decade of pioneering scientific research, Dr. Baumann has developed the cutting-edge Baumann Skin Typing System. She has taken the treatment and maintenance of skin health away from long-held myths and slick and misleading advertisers and marketers, and has placed them back into the hands of the individual.

 The Institute for Women’s Health in collaboration with the Women’s Mental Heath Programs in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, is currently recruiting 92 African-American women employed at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine or Jackson Memorial Hospital to participate in a research study focus group to discuss feelings, beliefs and experiences about being overweight or obese. Volunteers for the African-American Women’s Weight Reduction Study will receive healthy snacks, valuable diet readiness feedback and monetary compensation for their time. For more information, please call Rhonda at 305-355-9157 or e-mail rnelson@med.miami.edu

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