Pascal Goldschmidt, M.D., senior vice president for medical affairs and dean of the Miller School of Medicine, looked out at 184 fresh faces in the Retter Auditorium in Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.

"I've been here four months today, but this is the greatest day of my tenure," he said, officially greeting the incoming class of 2010. "Meeting with you is an extraordinary privilege.

"Miami is an extraordinarily international city and you have to lead the way into international medicine," he continued. "You will be uniquely prepared to help United States medicine become truly global, and you will become our ambassadors."

The opening session was part of a two-and-a-half day orientation for new students who began classes on Monday. Goldschmidt offered a warm, relaxed welcome to students, but also spoke of how critical their work will be. "As students you will get the chance to spend a little more time with patients," he said. "There is nothing more important you can do right now. That's how you become a doctor."

Students heard from a number of other faculty and administrators, learned about benefits, and enjoyed several gatherings, including a small-group lunch when they got to speak to a faculty member and senior medical students.

"The professors want you to do well," Ana Campo, M.D. told seven students during Thursday's lunch. "They make themselves available, but you have to access them."

Discussions included where to buy used textbooks (from other classmates) and whether to spend more time reading textbooks or studying powerpoint presentations (short answer: it depends, sometimes both). When discussion of time management began, Campo injected one quick statement:

"Don't get cable."

A representative from Fidelity Investments will be at the medical campus to conduct individual counseling sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on August 29, September 26, October 24, November 30 and December 18. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-642-7131.

A representative from TIAA-CREF will be at the medical campus on August 23 and 24, September 13 and 14, November 15 and 16, and December 13 and 14. to conduct individual counseling sessions. To schedule an appointment, visit http://www.tiaa-cref.com/moc, or call 1-800-842-2003, ext 3522.

All counseling sessions from these organizations will take place in the Human Resources Benefits Office, 901 NW 17th St., suite D.

University of Miami Family Night with the Florida Marlins, which will be held on Saturday, August 26, will include complimentary tickets and food for all faculty and staff, as well as discounted tickets for their family members. This University event will feature pre-game festivities, first pitches thrown out by President Donna E. Shalala and Provost Thomas J. LeBlanc—and, of course, great baseball, as the two-time world champion Marlins take on the Milwaukee Brewers. The game starts at 6:05 p.m. at Dolphins Stadium, and the pre-game festivities will take place from 4:35 to 6 p.m. in the Gate D Helix.

Complimentary tickets are available for faculty and staff only. Every university regular employee is eligible.  Each employee can receive one free ticket and may purchase two guest tickets for $1 each. If you wish to obtain more than two guest tickets, additional tickets are $5 each. Each employee and their first two guests will also receive a complimentary meal voucher for a hot dog, chips, and soft drink. Parking at the stadium costs $10 and is not included.

You must have a valid UM ID to receive your tickets. Only one ID card per person will be permitted, and only cash will be accepted for additional ticket purchases. Ticket distribution on the medical campus will be held this Friday, August 11, and Friday, August 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Schoninger Quadrangle. You cannot go back multiple times.

The course includes a computer-based learning (CBL) prerequisite. If you do not have access to the Internet, please contact Mary Remon to obtain the pre-work materials.  The workshop will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in room 155 of the Dominion Parking Garage.  For more information about content, contact Mary Remon at the EAP at 305-284-6604.  To register, visit http://netlearning.miami.edu.  For questions about registration, call the Professional Development and Training Office at 305-243-3090.

Medical experts will be available in the morning to answer questions during a patient community program. They will specifically address issues related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and pulmonary fibrosis.  The afternoon session, a physician-oriented program, offers CME credits. For more information, please contact Jorge Zamudio at 305-567-9888, ext. 246, or e-mail jzamudio@alphaone.org.

Your support and participation is critical to helping us raise funds to continue ongoing research and patient care.  For more information regarding our group and ALS,  visit our web site at www.alsrecovery.org.

• Patients with hepatic encephalopathy
This study will compare Lactulose and Rifaximin to determine the benefit of either drug, or a combination of both. We will be enrolling patients with cirrhosis of the liver and a history of a previous hospitalization for hepatic encephalopathy. Patients will be followed for six months and a one-month post-treatment. Contact Macy Ho, CRC 305-243-4648 or email Mho@med.miami.edu

• Patients with chronic liver disease
This studies the correlation between liver histology and elasticity measured in patients with chronic liver disease using a device known as Fibroscan. This is a painless, non-invasive test. Qualifying patient must have received a laparoscopic liver biopsy within the past two months or scheduled a laparoscopic liver biopsy within the next two months by their PCP at Cedars Medical Center-Miami. This is a one time visit. Liver cancer patients are excluded. Contact: A. Brown at 305-243-2184 or abrown@med.miami.edu

• Vaccine test in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
The Center for Liver Diseases is conducting a Phase I, double-blind, placebo controlled, dose escalation, multi-center trial of a therapeutic vaccine in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. Subject must be > 18, have no hypersensitivity to baker's yeast, non-cirrhotic, compensated liver disease, and must have received a liver biopsy within the past two years or be willing to have one performed. Subjects can be naïve to previous treatment, or a relapser or partial responder to an interferon-based treatment. Must meet other criteria as well. Contact A. Brown at 305-243-2184 or abrown@med.miami.edu

• Study of three treatments
The Center for Liver Diseases is conducting a phase 2, double-blind, multi-center, randomized research study in HBV decompensated subjects. Adult subjects with CPT score of 7-12 and no history of HCC will be assigned to one of the three treatment arms: Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF), Emtricitabine plus Tenofovir Disprocil Fumarate (FTC/TDF) or Entecavir (ETV). Patients can be on lamivudine or adefovir dipivoxil. Must meet other criteria. Contact Clinical Research Coordinator Karina Herrera at 305-243-2148 or at kherrera@med.miami.edu 

• Study of liver diseases
The Center for Liver Diseases is conducting a Phase II study for men and women, investigational oral medication for liver scarring caused by chronic Hepatitis C. Subjects must be between 40 and 70 years old, have been diagnosed with chronic Hepatitis C, have failed prior Hepatitis C therapy with interferon and ribavirin treatments, which must have been discontinued at least 12 months ago. Study staff will review additional criteria if you are interested in learning more. The study should last approximately 56 weeks with 14 clinic visits. Contact Macy Ho, CRC 305-243-4648 or Mho@med.miami.edu

Do you or does someone you know experience pain related to spinal cord injury? Eva Widerström-Noga, Ph.D., and her colleagues are conducting research into the nature and treatment of pain associated with spinal cord injury. Studies are enrolling now.  Eligible participants will be 18 to 70 years of age and at least two years post-injury.  If you are interested in enrolling, please call The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at 305-243-8132 for information.

The Center for Liver Diseases is conducting a phase 2, double-blind, multi-center, randomized study in HBV decompensated subjects. Adult subjects with CPT score of 7-12 and no history of HCC will be assigned to one of the three treatment arms: Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF), Emtxticitabine plus Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (FTC/TDF) or Bntecavir (ETV). Patients can be on lamivudine or adefovir dipivoxil. Must meet other criteria. For further information, please contact clinical research coordinator Karina Herrera at 305-243-2148, or at kherrera@med.miami.edu.

Heather Woolery-Lloyd, M.D., of the Division of Cosmetic Dermatology, is looking for people between the ages of 18 and 39 who have mild to severe acne to participate in a research study to determine whether use of an investigational topical treatment will improve acne.  If you are interested, please contact a member of the research staff at 305-531-5788.

Joely Kaufman, M.D., of the Division of Cosmetic Dermatology, is looking for people over the age of 18 with wrinkles around the eyes to participate in a research study to determine whether laser treatments improve wrinkles around the eyes.  If you are interested, please contact a member of the research staff at 305-532-5552.

The Department of Psychology is recruiting participants for the following studies:

• A schizophrenia family study 
Have you or one of your relatives been diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder? Are you in regular contact with this person? If so, you and your family may be eligible to participate in a free family-focused treatment research study. During the treatment, clinicians will provide factual information about schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. In addition, techniques to assist the family in coping with mental illness will be presented. Treatment is available in English and Spanish. If interested, please contact the Schizophrenia Family Project at 305-284-5455.

• A family factors and autism study
The aim of this project is to better understand families’ emotional reactions to autism spectrum disorders. We seek the participation of adults with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s and one of his or her parents. Participation will involve one hour-long telephone call. If you would like to help with this study or if you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Wasserman at 305-284-2307.

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.

Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are being recruited for a study of effects of sildenafil on exercise and breathlessness. Participants must have a firm clinical diagnosis of IPF, be 40 to 85 years of age, and not be on medication for IPF. Interested patients or physicians wishing to refer patients should call 305-575-3548, fax 305-575-3126, or e-mail rjackson2@med.miami.edu.

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is testing experimental medications and therapies for the treatment of cervical dysplasia, a pre-cancerous condition that can lead to cancer if left untreated. Current treatments are surgical or invasive. This study is testing an investigational gene therapy to see if it safely and effectively treats HPV medicated cervical lesions as a result of dysplasia. If you are between 18 and 25 and have had an abnormal PAP test, you may be able to take part in this research study. Qualified participants will receive all study-related care and study therapy. To find out more, call Iliana Rivas at (305) 243-5832 or i.rivas@miami.edu

The Department of Psychology and the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control is conducting a quality of life research intervention with advanced prostate cancer patients. Participants should have Stage III or IV prostate cancer and have recently or currently been treated with hormone therapy. Eligible participants will take part in a ten-week cognitive behavioral stress and affect management program or a health promotions program. Three psychosocial/medical assessments are also required. If you are interested in this study or would like more information, please contact Frank Penedo, Ph.D., at 305-243-3329, or fpenedo@miami.edu.

Daniel Santisteban, Ph.D., of the Center for Family Studies in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, is currently conducting a research program that would provide adolescents and/or their family treatment for free. Participants must be 14 to 17 years old, have a parent or legal guardian willing to participate, meet DSM criteria for both substance abuse disorder and borderline personality disorder, and be willing to participate in four separate but paid evaluations. If interested, please contact Henry Calderon, clinical research specialist/assessor, at 305-243-2225, or hcalderon@med.miami.edu for details.

The Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement is conducting research with family caregivers of dementia patients who speak English and are 50 years of age or older. If you are not a caregiver but are interested in participating, you may be able to help as well. Participants will receive basic training on how to use the Internet and will be asked to look for information about care-giving and dementia. If you are interested in being a part of this research study, please call 305-355-9200. You will be paid for your time and effort.

Jennifer B. Marks, M.D., is currently recruiting patients ages 18 through 40 with type 1 diabetes mellitus with a recent diagnosis for participation in a research study to test the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication. Patients must be taking multiple insulin injections daily and in good health. Those who are interested should contact Rogelio Suarez at 305-243-6573 or rsuarez2@med.miami.edu.

The AIDS Clinical Research Unit, directed by Margaret Fischl, M.D., is recruiting participants for the following studies:

• A phase I IL-7 study (IL-7 is a cytokine that aids T-cell development and improves T-cell survival). Participants must be 18 to 50 years of age, receiving antiretroviral therapy for at least 12 months, have an HIV-1 RNA level less than or equal to 50,000 copies/ml, and have a CD4 cell count of 100 cells/ccm or higher. Participants must be willing to do 12-hour IL-7 blood level monitoring. Up to $200 in food certificates provided.

• An investigational CC-chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) entry inhibitor for patients with HIV. The study will look at single dose, dose escalations of a study drug (0.5 mg, 2.0 mg and 5.0 mg) and a placebo. The study will determine how well the study drug blocks CCR5 receptors and is tolerated. Participants must be 18 and older, not taking antiretroviral therapy for at least three months and have a viral load greater than 5,000 and a CD4 count greater than 250. Must be willing to do six-hour drug level monitoring. Up to $250 provided.

For more information on studies conducted by the AIDS Clinical Research Unit, contact Juan at 305-243-3838 or Leslie at L.Thompson@miami.edu.

The SPARE Study (Soy Phytoestrogens As Replacement Estrogen) is currently recruiting women 45 to 60 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.

The University of Miami Skin Research Group, directed by Brian Berman, M.D., Ph.D., is looking for people with acne, atopic dermatitis (eczema), and keloids. Participants should be 18 or older for the acne and keloid studies and ages 2 to 17 for the atopic dermatitis studies. If interested, please contact the research staff at 305-243-5519 or visit our website at www.skininvestigation.com.

Bruce Rubin, M.D., is currently performing a study on trigeminal neuralgia (TN) treatment with subcutaneous injections of BOTOX® to evaluate the effectiveness of treating facial pain associated with TN. Patients must have a diagnosis of TN for more than three months and be at least 18 years of age.
 
Dr. Rubin is also seeking patients for a research study on the treatment of tightness/spasticity in the wrist, fingers, and elbow caused by a stroke while evaluating the effect of BOTOX® on pulmonary functioning. Patients must be 18 years of age, have had a stroke six months ago or longer, have a pulmonary/breathing problem and cannot have used BOTOX® or any other botulinum toxin previously for any condition. Please contact Amy L. Kaye, ARNP, at 305-243-6223 for additional information on either of these studies.