When the deal is finalized November 30, the purchase of Cedars, which will be renamed the University of Miami Hospital, will give the University its first full-scale hospital, a move Dean Goldschmidt has championed as necessary for a first-class medical school.

“As you know, the University and the Board of Trustees have given us the opportunity to purchase our first multidisciplinary, large-scale, 560-single-room hospital," Goldschmidt said. "We owe a substantial thank you to President Shalala, who has been an inspired and inspiring leader who allowed us to achieve this goal."

The hospital deal is also part of an upcoming roll out of a new brand for the medical school’s clinical affiliations. The University’s ubiquitous orange and green "U" will be used in launching the "UHealth" brand and the University of Miami Health System.

Before Goldschmidt embarked on the details of his progress report, he welcomed and thanked employees in English, then in Spanish, drawing loud applause. He then reminded faculty and staff that the multi-pronged strategic plan was created with their help. When he came on board last year, he asked employees to chime in about what they wanted the medical school to focus on, and many suggestions became part of the plan.

In addition to owning a hospital while strengthening the longtime partnership with Jackson Memorial Hospital, the strategic plan also includes boosting patient safety, cutting-edge research, child health, international health involvement and medical education. For more on this story click here.

When UM Miller’s Class of 2011 filled the Bernard J. Fogel, M.D., auditorium to hear the lecture "Are We Really Headed for Health Care Reform?," they got the answer from a nationally renowned health care expert, one who also happens to be the president of their University.

UM President Donna E. Shalala addressed the class in what was the first lecture of the systems-based care theme of the Doctoring Program, courses designed to give first- and second-year medical students a broad overview of the art and practice of clinical medicine. Shalala, who has headed the University since June 2001, served eight years as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Clinton Administration.

President Shalala based her talk on the politics of health care "because people think who we elect will result in the kind of health care reform we get." But, she said, "It’s hard to do. It is very difficult to design a new health care system for any country in the world."

More importantly, reforming health care takes political agreements that are also difficult to come by. During the November 20 lecture, Shalala displayed graphs that showed, among other things, that health care was breaking through as a political issue. She said all the candidates in the 2008 race have proposed health care solutions but actual reform will require the political consensus it took to launch Medicare and Social Security.

In the cases of Medicare and Social Security "we had consensus on the definition of the problem and about what to do," Shalala said. Health care reform "is very much a cost issue."

At the end of her talk, Shalala took questions from students, including some from the Miller School's regional campus at FAU who participated via videoconferencing, and responded to everything from inquiries about the uninsured population to what she found in her review of veterans' health care.

This year, at the request of President Bush, Shalala and former Senator Bob Dole co-chaired the Commission on Care for Returning Wounded Warriors to evaluate how wounded service members were transitioning from active duty to civilian society.

“Health care reform is such a big problem and will still be an issue for the next president," said Jatin Anand, a student from Orlando who joined several classmates to speak one-on-one with Shalala after the session. "It was very interesting to hear the political side from someone who has spent time in Washington. I wish we had more time with her. She has a lot to say."

For more information, please contact Bill Winegar at 305-326-6095 or bwinegar@med.miami.edu.

This issue introduces PubMed third-party tools and capabilities that let you easily analyze your PubMed retrieval. Readers will also find information about new on-site facilities including wireless printing.

For more information, please contact Michelle Perez at 305-243-6655 or miperez@miami.edu.

The lecture will be held today from noon to 1 p.m. in the Mailman Center for Child Development, room 3023. Please register at http://Ulearn.miami.edu. If you have any questions, please contact Sofia Aymerich at saymerich@med.miami.edu.

Sample plates are $5 with a portion of the proceeds going to Women for Women International. 

Anyone with a flair for cooking is welcome to enter a dish in the competition for a chance to win a great prize. For more information, please contact Eileen Bernal at EMBernal@med.miami.edu or Nidhi Avashia at NJAvashia@med.miami.edu.

Sessions will take place in the Human Resources Benefits Office, suite D, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, please contact Sylka Pérez at 305-243-6265.

If you would like to meet with the speaker, please contact Thomas K. Harris, Ph.D., at 305-243-3358.

The lecture will take place this Friday at noon in the Rosenstiel Medical Science Building, fifth-floor auditorium. Lunch will be served. For more information, please contact Tanyika Stephenson at 305-243-7482.

Lunch will be provided. No RSVP is required.

Dialogues in Research Ethics is a monthly conference series. For more information, please contact the UM Ethics Program at 305-243-5723 or ethics@miami.edu.

Lunch will be provided. To RSVP or for more information, please contact Jeanne Tamargo at 305-243-8125 or jtamargo@med.miami.edu.

This class is free. Reservations are required; please call 1-800-545-2292. A light lunch will be provided. 

 UM/Sylvester is currently recruiting for the following studies:

• Smoking Cessation in  Women
Noella Dietz, Ph.D., is recruiting heterosexual women, current smokers, ages 18 to 45 in an established relationship, to participate in focus groups with the aim to better understand the relationship between feelings and behaviors, and how they affect smoking cessation attempts among women. Volunteers will receive $25 for being part of a one-hour meeting. For more information, please call 305-243-1120.

The Islet Cell Transplant Center at the Diabetes Research Institute is recruiting subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus to participate in research studies that involve transplantation of islets, the insulin producing cells of the pancreas. For more information and eligibility criteria, call the department at 305-243-5321 or view the clinical trials section of the Web site www.diabetesresearch.org.

The University of Miami Cosmetic Center is recruiting for studies on photoaging, fine lines, wrinkles, crow's feet, sun damage, brown spots, uneven pigmentation, acne, keloids, scars and loose skin on the abdomen or upper arms. If you are interested in any of these studies, please call our research team at 305-531-5788 or visit the Web site at www.derm.net. Studies will take place at the University of Miami Cosmetic Center located in the Miami Heart Institute, 4701 N. Meridian Avenue, Nichol Building, Suite 7450, Miami Beach.

The Department of Psychology and the UM/SCCC Division of Biobehavioral Oncology and Cancer Epidemiology are conducting an NCI-funded quality of life research study with patients recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Participants are eligible if they have been diagnosed with prostate cancer within 3 months and have not begun treatment. All participants will be followed for two years and will undergo psychosocial and medical assessments. Participants will be reimbursed up to $250 for their time and effort. If you or someone you know may be interested in more information about this study, please contact Natalie Escobio at 305-243-3329 or nescobio@med.miami.edu.  

Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine is seeking patients with COPD for phase III protocol that will determine whether a once-a-day dose of an investigational medication, bronchodilator, will effectively improve breathing for 24 hours. You will be paid for your time and effort. For more information, please call 305-243-2568 or e-mail Eliana Mendes at emendes@med.miami.edu.

Robert M. Jackson, M.D., from the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, is seeking idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients for an ongoing phase II clinical trial of vasodilator therapy (sildenafil). The objectives will be to assess possible therapeutic benefits of a vasodilator, sildenafil, on exercise tolerance and dyspnea in IPF patients and to observe changes in post-exercise markers of oxidant stress. The investigators seek patients with mild to moderate IPF and who have been diagnosed clinically. The study is open to at least ten additional patients. For more information, please contact Robert M. Jackson, M.D. or IPF program coordinator Carol Ramos at 305-575-3548 or by e-mail at rjackson2@med.miami.edu. This trial is funded by the Veterans Administration Research Service and is open to non-veterans of both genders. More information can be found at http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00359736?order=2.

The Department of Psychology and the Division of Biobehavioral Oncology, Prevention, Epidemiology and Control at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center are conducting an NIH-funded intervention study to examine the effects of stress management on health and quality of life in women recently diagnosed with breast cancer (stages 0-III). Participants must have recently had surgery for breast cancer, have not yet begun chemotherapy or radiation treatment, and have fluency in English. Eligible women will participate in weekly group sessions over a period of five weeks and be compensated for completing three assessments (questionnaire packet, saliva collection, and blood draw). If you are interested in participating or would like further information about this study, please contact the study coordinator, Janny Rodriguez, at 305-284-2220 or jannyr@miami.edu.

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.

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.

 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).

Do you or 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 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.

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, paid evaluations. If interested, please contact Maite Mena, Psy.D., at 305-243-3658, or mmena@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.

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

• An investigational polyclonal caprine IgG, HRG214, for HIV patients not responding to antiretroviral therapy. HRG214 contains antibodies that targets HIV infected CD4 cells and specific regions on HIV. Laboratory/animal studies suggest these antibodies are capable of killing or disabling HIV and preventing further infection.  Participants must have HIV RNA < 5000 copies/ml and CD4 cells < 200 cells/cmm. The study will evaluate 3 increasing dose of HRG214 in part I and compare HRG214 to optimized antiretroviral therapy in part II. HFG214 is given IV over about 30 minutes three times a week for up to 26 weeks. $100 provided each completed week of HRG214 treatment and $25 each completed week of observation

 • A phase II study of investigation use of recombination human keratinocyte growth factor (rHuKGF, palifermin) for patients with incomplete immune recovery on HAART.  rHuKGF may enhance thymus production of lymphocytes and increase CD4 cell counts. Participants must be 18 years and older, receiving antiretroviral therapy for at least 6 months with HIV RNA <200 and CD4 cell count <200 cells.  The study will evaluate 3 doses (20, 40 60 mcg/kg) of rHuKGF compared to placebo.  rHuKGF given IV bolus daily for 3 days. Follow up study visits at weeks 1,2,4,8, 12 and 24 with thymus CT scans at entry and week 12.

 • A phase II of an investigational glycosylated recombinant human IL-7 (CYT017, a cytokine that aids T-cell development and improves T-cell survival). Participants must be 18 years of age, receiving HAART for at least 12 months and have an HIV-1 RNA level < 1,000 copies/ml and CD4 cell count of 101– 400 cells/ccm. The study will evaluate three increasing doses (10, 20, 30 Fg/kg) of IL-7 given by SQ injection once a week for 3 weeks. Up to $275 in food certificates 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.

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.