President Shalala took the podium and quickly gave a lesson in healthcare politics, telling the crowd, "Stay awake, pay attention -- the upcoming presidential election is going to be one of the most important ever for all of us at the Miller School of Medicine when it comes to healthcare, in particular insurance coverage for everyone." She warned that anyone can diagnose what's wrong with health insurance coverage in this country, but "listen carefully to the politicians, to see which ones can put the politics together to come up with something that will work."

The president then said she was ready to do her "Oprah thing" by going into the crowd of faculty and staff to answer questions.  Some of the highlights:  She would not vote for Hillary Clinton simply because of gender, but would vote for the best person to run the country.  The two top things she'd do to straighten out the insurance mess in this country: allow anyone over age 55 to buy into Medicare and expand SCHIP (the State Children's Health Insurance Program) to include all children in the United States, not just those in need, and their parents.

The president's presidential politics lecture received high marks from her audience. "I think it's great that she shared her opinion," said Caridad Martinez, a staff associate in the Department of Pediatrics.  "As someone who went six years without health insurance, even though I was working full time, I know first hand what a huge issue this is going to be in the coming election.  I say, 'Bring on the candidates.'"

For more information or to make an appointment, please call 305-243-4183.

Wednesday, March 21, workshop 1, 9 a.m. to noon: "Making Sense of DNA and Protein Sequences." We will find a gene within a eukaryotic DNA sequence, then predict the function of the implied protein product by seeking sequence similarities to proteins of documented function using BLAST and other tools.

Workshop 2, 1 to 4 p.m.: "Identification of Disease Genes." This mini-course deals with the identification of a disease gene using NCBI's human genome assembly.

Thursday, March 22, workshop 3, 9 a.m. to noon: "Correlating Disease Genes and Phenotypes." We will learn to determine what is known about a disease and the gene associated with it. We will then elucidate the biochemical and structural basis for the phenotype caused by the mutant protein.

Workshop 4, 1 to 4 p.m.: "Structure Analysis Quick Start." This course covers how to visualize and annotate 3D protein structures using NCBI's Cn3D, identify conserved domain(s) present in a protein, search for other proteins containing similar domain(s), explore a 3D modeling template for the query protein and find distant sequence homologs that may not be identified by BLAST.

The Professional Development and Training Office exists to ensure that professional development activities are designed and implemented that meet or exceed research-based standards for effective professional development at UM. PDTO offers performance consultations and courses along with a host of additional services to the entire University community. You can browse a list of upcoming PDTO courses available this month at this link http://www6.miami.edu/UMH/CDA/UMH_Main/1,1770,36483-1;52542-3,00.html.

Classes begin on March 10 and they fill up fast, so reserve your spot soon. For more information and registration please call 305-284-4727 or visit www.educationmiami.com/7day.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Major risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, tobacco use, diabetes, physical inactivity, and poor eating habits. You can help us decrease the incidence of heart disease for the men and women of UM by using the preventive programs available to you here, including the Coral Gables and Medical Wellness Centers, and the Walking Canes and BeSmokeFree Programs.

For additional information, please check these web links:
http://www6.miami.edu/UMH/CDA/UMH_Main/1,1770,2340-1;50411-3,00.html
http://www6.miami.edu/wellness
http://wellness.med.miami.edu
http://www.americanheart.org

CME Transcripts
Did you know you can view and download your CME transcripts online?  Visit the Continuing Medical Education web page at www.cme.med.miami.edu and click on the CME transcript link. 

CME Listings
See which UM Miller School of Medicine-sponsored CME activities are being held on or off campus by visiting the CME webpage at www.cme.med.miami.edu.  View a listing of upcoming CME activities that outline the conference topics, speakers, objectives, target audience and credits offered.

Online Registration
Go to www.cme.med.miami.edu and click on the conferences link.  Find the event, register, and pay online. A confirmation will automatically be sent to your e-mail address upon successful processing of your registration. 

The classes will begin once enough people have enrolled, so please tell us if you're interested. Prices range from $26 for students to $34 for non-members for salsa and Latin dance, and from $74 to $99 for belly dance. Call 305-243-7606 to sign up or for more information.

UM Ethics Programs expect to award from three to six Arsht Ethics Research Grants for as much as $50,000 each. A university-wide ethics review board has been formed to review applications. Faculty-student teams are requested to submit proposals.
 
For more information, including the full Call for Proposals and a list of ethics advisory board members, visit www.miami.edu/ethics and follow links for "Arsht Initiatives" and "Research," or e-mail ethics@miami.edu. Tomorrow is the deadline to apply.

Deadline for receipt of applications is February 28. For guidelines and application forms please contact Zulema Rivero at 305-243-9528 or by e-mail at zrivero@med.miami.edu.

A representative from TIAA-CREF will be at the University of Miami tomorrow and Thursday, and March 27 and 29. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-842-2003, ext. 3522.

A representative from Fidelity Investments will be on the medical campus this Friday and again on March 27 to answer financial questions about its retirement plans. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-642-7131.

And a representative from VALIC will be at the University of Miami on March 30, April 18 and May 16 to conduct individual counseling sessions. To schedule an appoint please call Brad at 786-205-5617 or 1-800-892-5558 ext. 89413, or e-mail brad_baumgartner@aigvalic.com.

All meetings will take place in the Human Resources Benefits Office, 901 NW 17th St., Suite D.

The Miller School of Medicine designates this for a maximum of 18.50 AMA PRA Category 1 credits. View the brochure online at http://www.med.miami.edu/med/education/cme/documents/OBGYNbrochure-FINAL.pdf. For more information, call 305-585-5131 or e-mail dscott2@med.miami.edu.

The deadline to apply is March 30. For an application and additional information, please contact Cristina Llanos at 305-243-6292 or via e-mail at: cllanos@med.miami.edu.

Please visit our website for more details about Dr. Chesler or to view the live webcast if you cannot join us in person, www.jayweisscenter.org.

If any faculty members have interest in judging oral or poster presentations for both clinical and basic science research conducted by M.D. and Ph.D. students, contact Isabel Perez at 305-575-7000 ext. 3722 or via e-mail at iperez4@med.miami.edu.

Liz is already teaching "Pilates with Reformer" classes Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Medical Wellness Center. Classes are limited to nine participants and daily enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. Members should report to our membership office no more than 30 minutes prior to the start of each class to pay for that day's session and these classes are open only to Wellness Center members. As an introductory offer, you can join for $12 per class, although prices are subject to change.

Liz Caravia has appeared on Oprah, 60 Minutes and Despierta America as a trainer to the stars. For more information call 305-243-7600 or e-mail medwellness@med.miami.edu.

Join us this Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Dominion Parking Garage, room 155. For more information, call 305-284-6604. You can register online at http://www.netlearning.miami.edu. For help with registration, call 305-243-3090.

Our speaker will be Ellen Frank, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and psychology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and director of the Depression and Manic Depression Prevention Program at the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic in Pittsburgh.

This activity has been approved for 1.5 CME/CEUs for physicians, psychologists, and social workers. For more information contact Carmen Bou-Crick at 305-355-9073 or cbou@med.miami.edu.

This 1-mile walk benefits the Humane Society of Greater Miami and Adopt-a-Pet. Come out and join other UM animal lovers and bring your dog to share in the fun, fellowship and food. To sign up or for more information, contact the Office of Community Relations, 305-243-3453 or communityrelations@med.miami.edu.

This presentation is jointly sponsored by the Health Administration and Policy Program at the
School of Business Administration and the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at the UM Miller School of Medicine and will be held on the 10th floor of the new Clinical Research Building, room 1080A. Please RSVP by tomorrow to nalvarez2@med.miami.edu.

This activity has been approved for 1.5 CME/CEUs for physicians, psychologists, and social workers. For more information please contact Carmen Bou-Crick at 305-355-9073 or cbou@med.miami.edu.

Since 1992, the sentinel node technique has been performed in a wide range of solid malignancies. This third meeting will have a special emphasis on sentinel node biopsy for cancer of the oral cavity and head and neck melanoma and other cutaneous lesions, including discussion of cutting edge technical innovations as well as sessions on radioguided parathyroid surgery, PET probe-guided surgery, rapid PCR analysis of sentinel nodes, and biologic predictors of early metastases.

A poster session, proffered papers, and exhibits will provide an opportunity for networking and scientific exchange. In addition, an optional hands-on laboratory involving injection and sentinel node biopsy of the head and neck is offered.

Tuition remission is available for UM faculty and staff. You can register online at http://www.thirdsnb.com or for more information contact Kathy Salce at 305-243-1046 or ksalce@med.miami.edu.

The evening will culminate in the “Summer Season” with a special concert performance by Donna Summer. Tickets are $250, and you can learn more about the event at this link: http://www.miamiproject.miami.edu/x1277.xml.

Please RSVP by March 1 to mcoombs@law.miami.edu if you wish to attend.

For more information contact Kathy Salce at 305-243-1046 or ksalce@med.miami.edu.

Dr. Pinchuk will talk on Thursday, March 8, at 12:30 p.m. in the McKnight Vision Research Center eighth-floor lecture hall.

For more information please contact 305-326-6047 or jshum@med.miami.edu.

The program is sponsored by the Laboratory for Clinical and Biological Studies at the UM Miller School of Medicine and by Siemens Medical Solutions.

This activity has been approved for 1.5 CME/CEUs for physicians, psychologists, and social workers. For more information please contact Carmen Bou-Crick at 305-355-9073 or cbou@med.miami.edu.

This year’s theme will focus on advances in our understanding of immune activation in persons with HIV infection and the potential for therapeutic approaches.

RSVP by March 2 to Ana Ayala at 305-243-5359 or aayala@med.miami.edu. There is no charge for attendance.

The seminar is free and lunch will be provided. For more information please call 305-243-6597.

To learn more visit http://peds2.med.miami.edu/mailman/mailman.htm and click on Medical Issues and the Growing Child Conference – Part B. For more details please call Wanda Denise Castro at 305-243-4466 or wcastro@med.miami.edu.

Robert Kirsner, M.D., Ph.D., vice chairman of the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, is looking for people with foot ulcers as a complication of diabetes or venous insufficiency. Please contact Carol Kittles at 305-243-8485 for additional information on these studies.

The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences is conducting a federally funded HIV behavioral intervention research study for women and their partners, the New Opportunities for Women 2 (NOW 2) Project. The project will address topics related to safer sex, sexual risk reduction, STDs and communication skills. The NOW 2 Project is currently recruiting English-speaking couples, in which one or both individuals must be HIV positive. Participants must be 18 years or older, willing to be tested for STDs, and answer personal questions in a confidential interview. Women and men who participate may each receive compensation of up to $360 for an entire year of participation (this includes attendance at all interviews, examinations and sessions). If interested, please contact Arnetta Phillips or Jackie Gomez, at 305-243-2103, or (aphillips@yahoo.com / jgomez4@med.miami.edu).

The Center for Liver Diseases is recruiting participants for the following studies:

• 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: Zvi Leibovici at 305-243-2330 or zleibovici@med.miami.edu.

• Determining the relation of an elevated HBV DNA in hepatitis B patients
This is a chart review on hepatitis B subjects to determine the relation of an elevated HBV DNA and normal liver function tests to the histological findings of the liver biopsy. The study requires the subject has a previous liver biopsy between 2003-2006. They must also see the research team to obtain a hepatitis B serology panel, liver function tests (ALT and AST), and HBV viral load. Subjects must be more than 18 years old, have a documented laboratory diagnosis of HBV infection of at least six months, treatment naïve patient, and a documented HBV DNA. For further information, contact Zvi Leibovici at 305-243-2330, or e-mail at zleibovici@med.miami.edu.

• Patients with cirrhosis of the liver as a result of hepatitis B 
This is a phase III b protocol comparing entecavir vs. adefovir in chronic hepatitis B subjects with evidence of hepatic decompensation. Subjects must have cirrhosis because of hepatitis B infection, never been treated for hepatitis B or treated with lamivudine (epivir) only, and do not have HIV, hepatitis C or D. For further information please call: 305)-243-6939, or e-mail the study  coordinator, Connie Higgins at: chiggins@med.miami.edu.

• 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 e-mail Mho@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 Macy Ho at 305-243-4648 or mho@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.

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.

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 Maite Mena, Psy., at 305-243-3658, or mmena@med.miami.edu for details. 

Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine is seeking patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) for phase III protocol that will assess the impact of pirfenidone on IPF. Subjects must be between 40 and 80, and have a confirmed diagnosis of IPF within 48 months of randomization. For more information please call: 305-243-3728, or e-mail Emmanuelle Simonet at esimonet@med.miami.edu.

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 http://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.