The Physicians Recognition Award went to Walter Lambert, M.D., associate professor of clinical pediatrics at the UM Miller School. Dr. Lambert has served as director of the Child Protection Team in Miami-Dade County since 1989. Arthur Fournier, M.D., vice chairman of the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, and Barth Green, M.D., F.A.C.S., professor and chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery, were each awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for their medical service in Miami-Dade County and around the world through the Miller School of Medicine and the Green Family Health Initiative.

Doctors' day was initiated by the wife of a physician in 1933, and March 30 was designated National Doctors' Day by a Presidential Order in 1990. Congratulations to all.

The dean has also asked the appropriate UM facilities and security staff to coordinate closely with their counterparts at Miami-Dade County to develop both interim and long-term solutions. We share your concerns and we'll keep you informed as this situation evolves.

All performance evaluation ratings will be submitted in DHRS by the HR reps no later than May 1. Evaluation ratings must be submitted in order for employees to receive merit increases.

As we have previously communicated, new for 2006-07, the Miller School of Medicine has implemented one template evaluation form for all employees. All Miller School employees (AO1, AO3 and AO6) must be evaluated utilizing the new performance evaluation templates. An additional form was developed for management positions, which includes a set of leadership core competencies.

Below are the links to the new evaluation templates. The forms are also located on the Medical Human Resources website under “Forms.”

Staff Performance Evaluation Form:  http://www.med.miami.edu/hr/forms/PerfEval_Final.doc

Leadership Performance Evaluation Form:  http://www.med.miami.edu/hr/forms/LeadPerfEval_Final.doc

If you have any questions about the performance evaluation process or the new evaluation forms, please contact jglover@med.miami.edu or 305-243-2892 or dleslie@med.miami.edu or 305-243-6207.

For more information, please call 305-243-3234.

Please note that the Retirement Plan Decision Guide was not produced for faculty receiving an 11% of pay contribution to the Faculty Retirement Plan since these plan participants will automatically remain in their existing plan.

National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week provides an opportunity to honor the contributions of pathologists, laboratory technologists and technicians in the maintenance of wellness, the diagnosis of illness and the treatment of disease. More than 10 billion laboratory tests are performed in the United States each year to confirm diagnoses, rule out suspected conditions or monitor treatment.

The UM Department of Pathology plans a lab week luncheon, poster contest and other activities for the staff, so watch for more information.

The deadline to apply has been extended - it is now Friday, April 13. For an application and additional information, please contact Cristina Llanos at 305-243-6292 or via e-mail at: cllanos@med.miami.edu.

The registration fee includes the race, two T-shirts, and an optional pre-race training program compliments of your Medical Wellness Center, a post-race party, raffle prizes and a Team UM awards ceremony. All proceeds benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the department with the most participants (family and friends are welcome) will win a pizza party!

Not a member of the Medical Wellness Center? If you register for the Corporate Walk/Run and become a member of the Medical Wellness Center you will receive a promotional 50% discount on your first month of membership. To sign up for a membership, please visit the Medical Wellness Center membership office Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 305-243-7604.

Already a member of the Medical Wellness Center? Members who participate in the Corporate Walk/Run will have access to the exclusive Corporate Walk/Run Group Training Classes led by your Medical Wellness Center coaches. These classes will be held at the Medical Wellness Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the morning and afternoon. Members who attend 9 of the 12 classes will be entered in a one-month membership raffle that will be announced at the Corporate Run.

In addition, each Monday we will offer a short seminar on a variety of topics. These will be free for members and non-members alike. Upon completion of each seminar the PowerPoint presentation will be available for download. Seminars include: March 26: Understand Heart Rate; April 2: Resistance Training for Endurance; April 9: Taking Care of Your Body; April 16: Environmental Factors; April 23: How to Pace Yourself using Heart Rate; April 30: Race Day - Overview/Last Minute Reminders (Final Questions).

To view the suggested full training program, log on to www.wellness.med.miami.edu. For more information about registering for the Corporate Walk/Run under Team UM, contact cjohnson7@med.miami.edu. For more information about the Corporate Walk/Run “pre-race training program,” contact jtorrens@med.miami.edu.

Emergency grants are available for equipment for up to $20,000, or bridge funding for ongoing research projects for up to $25,000. These applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis (due the 25th of each month). Criteria for a successful proposal include the strength of the research, the availability of cost sharing, in-kind support and/or matching funds, and the prospect for future extramural funding resulting from the SAC grant. 

The proposals for pilot and emergency funds (bridge and equipment), including appendix material, should be submitted electronically to Maria Valero-Martinez at mvalero@med.miami.edu and prepared according to standard guidelines found at www.miami.edu/research/SAC. The application form for the different categories can be downloaded from the web site.

One continuing medical education credit is available for physicians, psychologists, and social workers. Contact:  Carmen Bou-Crick, 305-355-9073 or cbou@med.miami.edu.

The seminar will take place in the Batchelor Children's Research Institute, Baxter Conference Room. To register, visit http://netlearning.miami.edu/. For more details, please contact mvalero@med.miami.edu.

Prior to joining the USPSTF, Dr. Barton was on the faculty of Harvard Medical School. She has published numerous peer-reviewed articles on access to cancer screening for vulnerable populations within managed care systems, benefits and harms of prophylactic mastectomy in women at elevated risk for breast cancer, the impact of false positive mammography readings, and the decision-making process of stopping mammography and pap smear testing in the elderly. She is also a nationally-known expert on the clinical breast exam. This activity is eligible for one hour of CME credit and a light lunch will be served. For more information please call the Institute for Women's Health at 305-243-2576.

This event will take place this Thursday noon in the Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology conference room, RMSB 6018.

For additional information, please call 305-243-1078.

Dr. Court will talk this Friday at noon in the Gautier Building, room 118. Anyone wishing to meet with the speaker should call 305-243-6055.

For additional information please call 305-243-3419.

For additional information please contact Maria Penton at 305-243-6691 or e-mail mpenton@med.miami.edu.

For more information call 305-243-6484.

Nurses are invited to hear about the latest updates on HIV, enjoy lunch, network and receive contact hours towards license renewal. The class will cover various theories as to the origin of HIV, major events in the progression of HIV, signs and symptoms of HIV, testing methods and support agencies in South Florida, drugs and treatment for HIV/AIDS, the latest statistics in the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and Florida law as it relates to HIV/AIDS.

The class will be held at the Dominion Parking Garage, suite 155. It will be necessary to pre-register for this session by Tuesday, April 10. Registration is available via NetLearning at https://netlearning.miami.edu. Questions may be directed to the Professional Development and Training Office at 305-243-3090.

For more information or to RSVP, please call 305-326-6047 or jshum@med.miami.edu.

This one-day symposium has been designed for general ophthalmologists, retinal specialists, pediatric ophthalmologists and other specialists who evaluate patients with hereditary ocular conditions. Registration fee has been waived for all University of Miami faculty, staff and students and 4.75 CME credits are available.
To learn more visit: http://www.bascompalmer.com/site/info/info_cme.asp and click on “Ophthalmic Genetics Update.” For more details contact Marili Rivera at 305-326-6110 or mrivera7@med.miami.edu.

Please RSVP to Jenny Mullen Ray at 305-243-6256 or jmullen@med.miami.edu by Friday, April 13, as there is limited seating and attendance is by invitation only.

For more information, including a program and registration form, visit http://www.miami.edu/ethics or e-mail ethics@miami.edu. UM, Jackson Memorial Hospital and VA faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission or a courtesy tuition waiver, but must pre-register.

The cost of no-shows must still be paid by the Ethics Programs, so please do not register and then fail to attend.

This course, designed for retina specialists as well as comprehensive ophthalmologists who diagnose and treat retinal diseases, will review the 2007 highlights involving the retina with an equal emphasis on medical and surgical findings. In a two-hour fluoroscein/OCT imaging conference, faculty and fellows will present and discuss interesting and unusual cases. Retina topics will include vitreoretinal surgical techniques as well as an update on the latest in medical retina care. Registration is $250 and professionals can earn up to 11.5 AMA PRA category 1 credits.

For more information, please contact Eti Salazar at 305-326-6000, ext. 4775, or by fax at 305-326-6518, or e-mail bpeicme@med.miami.edu.

• Cervical Dysplasia

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.

• Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Do you experience heavy menstrual bleeding on two to five days of your regular menstrual period? Does heavy menstrual bleeding keep you from your normal social and work activities? If you answered yes to these questions, you may qualify for a research study of an investigational drug for heavy menstrual bleeding. This investigational drug is not a hormone. You must be a generally healthy woman between ages 18 and 49, have regular menstrual cycles with heavy bleeding, and not have any other bleeding disorder.

Qualified participants will receive the study drug and study-related procedures including physical exams, electrocardiograms, eye exams and laboratory tests at no cost. They will also receive compensation for time and travel. For more information, please contact Marisol Sloane at 305-243-1616.

• Hot Flashes

Are hot flashes making you miserable? You’re not alone. As many as 85% of postmenopausal women experience the discomfort of hot flashes -- sudden sensations of heat, often accompanied by sweating, racing pulse, and anxiety. If you’re suffering from hot flashes, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is conducting a clinical research trial studying a non-hormonal investigational drug to see if it may relieve hot flashes. If you are a postmenopausal woman experiencing bothersome hot flashes with sweating every day you may be eligible to participate. Qualified participants will receive at no charge study-related medical examinations, laboratory tests, electrocardiograms, investigational medication and compensation for travel costs to doctors’ visits. For more information, please contact Marisol Sloane at 305-243-1616.

• HPV Vaccination

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is conducting a clinical research study comparing an investigational cervical cancer vaccine to the newly FDA-approved cervical cancer vaccine (Gardasil). The study requires 8 visits in a 2-year period. Please refer interested patients who are 18 to 45 years old, in good health and who have not previously been vaccinated against HPV/cervical cancer, to the OB/GYN Research Department at 305-243-5832 (Option 6).

Jay Skyler, M.D., and Jennifer Marks, M.D., from the Diabetes Research Institute, are currently recruiting patients 18 years of age and older with type 1 diabetes mellitus for participation in research studies to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of inhaled insulin. Patients must be taking multiple insulin injections daily, be non-smokers and in good health. Those who are interested should contact Rogelio Suarez at 305-243-6573 or rsuarez2@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.

Do you experience food cravings? The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the UM Miller School of Medicine is conducting a pilot study of food craving using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Interested volunteers can contact Karin Esposito, M.D., Ph.D., at 305-243-4710.

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.

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.