Dr. Graham, who earned both his medical and public health degrees at Yale, visited the Miller School on March 24 to present the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health Grand Rounds.

In his presentation, "The Role of Science in Policy," Dr. Graham highlighted the essential role that scientists have, not only in guiding the development of health policies that tackle the country's greatest health care challenges, but also in informing the public.

The United States spends more per capita than any nation on earth, yet ranks 37th in overall health. Also, the country's racial and ethnic minorities suffer disproportionately from diseases such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, have higher infant mortality rates, experience a lower quality of health care service delivery and are less likely to receive routine medical services.

"Finding solutions for these health care disparities requires dedication, cooperation and commitment at all levels of society, from legislators to physician scientists," Dr. Graham said. He called upon the academic and scientific community to disseminate their research findings to assist in the development of policies that will address these challenges and secure good health for all members of society.

José Szapocznik, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at the Miller School commented, "We are fortunate to have someone of Garth’s caliber shaping health policy for our vulnerable minority populations."

Pictured above: Dr. Szapocznik with Dr. Graham in the Gordon Center.

The grant was announced during a news conference Wednesday at the Center on Aging. Marshall Criser, III, the president of AT&T Florida, attended the event where the video-phone technology was demonstrated. Carl Eisdorfer, M.D., Ph.D., the director of the Center on Aging, was also present, along with Sara Czaja, Ph.D., the Center on Aging’s co-director. 
 
"I would like to thank AT&T for this important funding that will assist us in our research," Eisdorfer said. "The Center on Aging is developing programs to reduce disability, enhance functionality and improve the quality of life for the aging population, through research, education and community service."
 
Approximately 9 million U.S. adults provide care to someone suffering from dementia, according to the Center on Aging. The video-link system was developed by Czaja, who’s also the Center on Aging’s principal investigator for studies on technology and caregiving as well as a national leader in the field.
 
“We’re working hard to develop innovative programs to help family members care for their relatives with Alzheimer’s disease," Czaja said. "The trend now is to keep patients in their homes, instead of sending them to long-term care facilities."

AT&T’s grant to the Center on Aging could be renewed after one year, according to Criser. "With the coming of age of the baby boomers, innovative uses of technology to lessen the strain on caregivers will increasingly become more critical in the care of loved ones," Criser said. "AT&T’s support of Dr. Czaja’s research will help identify meaningful tools to improve the quality of life for caregivers and provide a positive result to the people in their care."

The training is available via a computer-based learning module (CBL) and must be completed by this Friday, April 4. This, the first of two CBLs, will take about 20 minutes to complete and will help managers develop a full understanding of various aspects of the new plan’s structure, information that will help you explain the plan to your staff. As we begin implementation of the compensation plan there will be ongoing communication with staff throughout the process.

To access the Compensation Plan for Supervisors CBL, you must first sign on through http://ULearn.miami.edu. If you have not used ULearn before, you just need to follow the instructions provided. Once you are logged in, the CBL will be in your Assigned Learning section on the left navigation bar. You may launch the CBL by clicking on the green launch arrow. If for some reason you cannot sign in to the CBL, please notify the Professional Development and Training Office at 305-243-3090. 

In addition to the CBLs, Medical Human Resources has scheduled in-person Q & A sessions that directors, managers and supervisors are strongly encouraged to attend. The in-person sessions, to be held at Dominion Parking Garage, suite 155, are scheduled for Monday, April 7, from 3 to 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday, April 8, from 9 to 10:30 a.m.; and Wednesday, April 9, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

In this program, scholars are matched with research clinicians/mentors and function as active members of the research team. In addition to conducting research, scholars will participate in regular meetings with their mentors and prepare a formal presentation of their results. The chairman’s office will provide students with a modest stipend.

For more details, contact Anastasia Godur at 305-243-8070 or agodur@med.miami.edu.

Please mail applications to:
Anastasia Godur
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Dept. of OB/GYN, Division of Research and Special Projects
P.O. Box 016960 (D-53)
Miami, FL  33101

Tickets will be sold and distributed, while they last, on the Miller campus, outside Au Bon Pain from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today and this Thursday, April 3. Tickets will also be distributed at University of Miami Hospital from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow. You may pick up tickets at the Hecht Athletic Center ticket office, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For an application and additional information, please contact Nicole McCullough at 305-243-4961 or nshank@med.miami.edu.

For more information, please contact Elisa Arguelles or Tanya Spencer at 305-585-1280, earguelles@med.miami.edu or tspencer@med.miami.edu.

Anyone wishing to meet with the speaker should contact Sylka Perez at 305-243-6265 or sperez6@med.miami.edu.

For more information, please contact Elisa Arguelles or Tanya Spencer at 305-585-1280, earguelles@med.miami.edu or tspencer@med.miami.edu.

This conference is designed for physicians of cardiology, family medicine, general surgery, critical care, interventional cardiology, cardiac electrophysiology, pediatric cardiothoracic surgery, thoracic surgery, vascular medicine/surgery, internal medicine, nephrology and neurology. It is also appropriate for cardiovascular technologists, pharmacists and nurses.

To register, please visit www.cme.med.miami.edu. Attendance is free to University faculty, employees and students (use code 2370 when prompted for payment).

To participate in this event live online visit http://www.vemics.com/mirs/. Please call 305-243-2720 with any questions.

The first seminar will be presented by William P. Murphy Jr., M.D., who founded the medical instrument company that later became Cordis and is now owned by Johnson & Johnson. He also holds 17 patents and won the ninth annual Lemelson-MIT Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognized Murphy’s innovative achievements, which include the invention of the disposable medical procedural tray and plastic blood-transfusion bags that preserve red blood cells and proteins by preventing exposure to air.

The second seminar will be given by John H. Linehan, Ph.D., professor of biomedical engineering at Northwestern University and director of the Center for Translational Innovation. 

For more information, please contact Anne Schaerli at aschaerli@miami.edu or 305-284-2908.

This computer lab training course is being offered to provide hands-on instruction for NIH electronic submission of proposals through Grants.gov. Maria Valero-Martinez, manager of Sponsored Programs Education, will walk participants through the process and provide tips for avoiding common errors. The emphasis will be on finding and using the correct application package, following grant application instructions, and understanding the procedures for the internal routing of the proposal.

To register, or for more information, please visit http://ulearn.miami.edu. For questions, please contact Sofia Aymerich at saymerich@med.miami.edu.

The Transgenic Animal Core facility at UM/Sylvester uses powerful transgenic and gene knockout technologies to study the function of genes in vivo. The Core produces transgenic mice and targeted mutant mice to provide experimental design support for investigators using this technology. Such mouse models are essential for a variety of cancer-related research projects.

Lunch will be provided and seating is limited. For more information, please contact Dr. Sobieszczuk at 305-243-2272 or psobies@med.miami.edu.

For more information, please contact Elisa Arguelles or Tanya Spencer at 305-585-1280, earguelles@med.miami.edu or tspencer@med.miami.edu.

The health fair portion of the event is in critical need of volunteers. Several educators, service providers and speakers have been booked for the event, but more volunteers are needed. Medical students, faculty and staff are encouraged to volunteer. Also, if you are a member of the DOCS program and would like to have a clinic at the event, please contact Dr. Todra Anderson at tanderson@med.miami.edu.

To register online, please visit www.greatermiamicontinentals.com.

For more information, contact the Office of Education and Training at 305-243-2287. Lunch will be provided. RSVP is not required.

Presentations will take place on May 15 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gordon Center for Research in Medical Education's Broad-Bussel Auditorium on the first floor of the Clinical Research Building. Speakers will address logistics and results of TB multi-drug resistance survey studies, TB social mobilization, sociocultural issues with HIV counseling, HIV health care delivery models and the evaluation of HIV program models. There will also be a special focus on Microscopic Observation for Detection and Susceptibility (MODS) in a lecture by David Moore, M.D., reader in infectious diseases and tropical medicine at the Imperial College London and visiting professor at the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Peru.

The conference will continue on May 16 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. also in the Broad-Bussel Auditorium at the Gordon Center, with an intense workshop on TB research in the Americas headed by Michael Lauzardo, M.D., principal investigator at the Southeastern National Tuberculosis Center at the University of Florida. The workshop will cover research methods, international collaborations, operational factors, social/cultural research and practice implications.

Physicians who attend both days of the conference can earn 11.75 continuing medical education credits. There is no registration fee. Seating is limited to 100 people. For more information or registration form, please visit http://www.med.miami.edu/fogarty/x18.xml or contact Victoria Elf at velf@med.miami.edu or 305-243-3210.

Study to Compare the Methods of Collecting Urine Samples for the Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infections
The Institute for Women's Health is conducting a research study for the treatment of urinary tract infection (UTI), a very common problem in young, healthy women that afflicts approximately one-half of women by their late 50's. Urine specimens collected for the diagnosis of urinary tract infection are often contaminated with organisms and the major purpose of this study is to compare the methods (voided versus catheter) of collecting the urine samples for the diagnosis of UTI. If you are a female between the ages of 18 to 49, currently experiencing painful urination for less than seven days and frequent trips to the restroom, you may be able to take part in this study. To find out more, call Wisvline Labrousse, Ph.D., A.R.N.P., at 305-243-2576.

Urinary Tract Infection Antibiotic Treatment  Study
The Institute for Women's Health is conducting a research study for the treatment of urinary tract infection (UTI), a very common problem in young, healthy women that afflicts approximately one-half of women by their late 50's. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and tolerance of a three-day regimen of standard antibiotics currently used for the treatment of UTI. If you are female between the ages of 18 to 45, currently experiencing painful urination and frequent trips to the restroom, you may be able to take part in this study. To find out more, call Wisvline Labrousse, Ph.D., A.R.N.P., at 305-243-2576.

Pregnant Women Needed for Urinary Tract Infection Study
The Institute for Women's Health and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Miller School are seeking the participation of pregnant women at least 18 years of age and over to help in a clinical research study on urinary tract infection and its treatment during pregnancy. The study involves screening pregnant women in the early stages of pregnancy and following them at their regular scheduled visits until delivery. We will also determine the optimal duration of treatment of asymptomatic urinary tract infection in pregnancy. Research study visits will include completion of a questionnaire, health history, and collection of urine samples at scheduled visits until delivery. All study-related visits, lab work and medications will be free; participants will be compensated for the completed study visits. For more information, please call Wisvline Labrousse, Ph.D., A.R.N.P., at 305-243-2576

Melasma Study
Heather Woolery-Lloyd, M.D., of the Division of Cosmetic Dermatology is looking for female subjects between the ages of 18 and 50 who have melasma, brown spots on the face, to participate in a research study to determine whether an oral sunscreen is safe and effective in the treatment of melasma. If interested, please contact a member of the research staff at 305-531-5788 or cosmeticresearch@med.maimi.edu.

Keloid scars
Heather Woolery-Lloyd, M.D., of the Division of Cosmetic Dermatology, is looking for men and women between the ages of 18 and 65 who have keloid scars to participate in a clinical research study. The study will determine whether use of an investigational treatment known as Apligraf®, a product with an epidermis and dermis layer like skin, will reduce recurrence of keloids. The study duration is 52 weeks and requires up to 13 visits.  If interested, please contact a member of the research staff at 305-531-5788 or www.derm.net.

Leslie Baumann, M.D., professor and director of the UM 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 Center for Liver Diseases is looking for volunteers with liver (hepatic) disease who are 18 years or older to test the safety of a new drug. For more information, please call Carlos Quintero at 305-243-2854.

The Center for Liver Diseases is also conducting a research study on patients with hepatitis C viral infection (HCV). Patients must be at least 18 years of age with resistance to prior treatment. Qualified patients will receive treatment without cost. If you or someone you know is interested in participating in this study, please call Carlos Quintero at 305-243-2854.

Carlos Hernandez-Cassis, M.D., and his group from the Diabetes Research Institute are currently recruiting patients 18 to 70 years of age with diabetic neuropathy for participation in research study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a new, phase II medication. Patients must be diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus, and taking medication to control symptoms. Those interested should contact George Mejia-Galvis, Ph.D., at 305-243-6573 or Gmejia2@med.miami.edu

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.

Carlos Hernandez-Cassis, M.D., from the Diabetes Research Institute, is currently recruiting patients 18 years of age and older with type II diabetes mellitus for participation in a research study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of inhaled insulin. Patients must be taking multiple oral medication daily for more than 2 months and be non-smokers. Those who are interested should contact George Mejia-Galvis at 305-243-6573 or Gmejia2@med.miami.edu.

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.  

The Division of 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 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.