The importance of the medical school and its employees in achieving this goal was highlighted at the annual General Faculty Meeting on May 19 in remarks by Dean Pascal J. Goldschmidt, M.D., Provost Thomas LeBlanc, Ph.D., and UM President Donna E. Shalala.

“As with most research universities, the critical driver is the medical school,” LeBlanc said to faculty and staff who overflowed Bascom Palmer Eye Institute’s Retter Auditorium. “You are on the front line for the strategic plan for the University of Miami.”

As such, LeBlanc said, “the strategic plan of the Miller School doesn’t succeed without University of Miami Hospital, and the University doesn’t succeed without the success of the Miller School.”

The University’s Board of Trustees has already approved the strategic plan encompassing Dean Goldschmidt’s goals for the growth of the medical school, along with millions of dollars in funding for important investments such as infrastructure.

The strategic plan, Goldschmidt said, is already showing results in four fundamental areas: the clinical enterprise, research, education, and faculty/student support of community programs locally and abroad.

In the clinical area, Goldschmidt said, a highlight was the Miller School’s purchase of the former Cedars Medical Center, which was renamed University of Miami Hospital. The private hospital gives the Miller School “an opportunity to fully employ the type of medicine we are capable of,” and associated branding and marketing are under way to help publicize the new health system and the stellar reputation of UM physicians.

Goldschmidt said there has been a 21 percent increase in the Miller School’s National Institutes of Health research portfolio, with a significant portion coming from new recruits who brought their awards to UM. Calling education “a top priority for me and for the entire Miller School of Medicine,” the Dean touted achievements such as the new residency program that will begin this summer in Palm Beach County, and the new UMMSM at Florida Atlantic University freshman class that will increase from 32 to 48 medical students.

Such phenomenal accomplishments, occurring while ties with Jackson Memorial Hospital are being strengthened, could not be achieved without support from faculty and staff, Goldschmidt said.  He pledged his continued support. “I am here to serve you, I am here to be your advocate, your partner, and to ensure the best job you can have is here at the Miller School of Medicine and UHealth.”

President Shalala addressed several topics, including the need for a year-round governance system that allows certain important University work to continue without a summer break, incentives to keep more patients within the UHealth system, ongoing purchasing and development of land surrounding the Miller School, investment in biotechnology enterprises, and the future of health care.

Attendees raised questions about state funding cuts, competition within the Florida biotech industry and the Miller School’s plan for growing internationally.  Responding to some of these questions, Shalala explained that developments such as a campus hotel and certain life science enterprises were being completed with private funding and would not add to the University’s debt load. LeBlanc noted that an office was created to track and categorize the University’s various international programs, including longstanding and new programs at the Miller School.

On the issue of bioscience competition, both Shalala and Goldschmidt said the growing industry in Florida holds benefits for UM, even if some of those successes come from institutions or companies not connected to the University. At any rate, the Miller School is moving much faster than other bioscience facilities in southern Florida, they said, thanks in part to the excellent relationship the Miller School maintains with the city of Miami.

The leadership team also took the opportunity to address responses to the most recent Faculty Survey. Generally, they said, faculty members did not indicate on the surveys (conducted once every three years) that there were any significant concerns at the Miller School. LeBlanc said that while some faculty expressed anxiety over the rapid pace of growth and change, “people generally feel the University is heading in the right direction.”

For more information, please visit http://calder.med.miami.edu/flash/flash23.html or for a list of FAQs, go to http://publicaccess.nih.gov/FAQ.htm.

The Miller School will be collecting donations on Tuesday, May 27, at 10 a.m. in front of the Rosenstiel Medical Science Building to raise funds for the survivors and victims of this horrific disaster and humanitarian crisis. Please join us and make your pledge. Your support will help the survivors rebuild their lives.

You may also contact the agency of your choice to help bring relief to China.

MercyCorps China Earth Quake Relief
http://www.mercycorps.org/chinaearthquake/

Red Cross Society, Hong Kong
http://www.redcross.org.hk/

Red Cross Society of China
http://www.redcross.org.cn

Red Cross Society, USA
http://www.redcross.org/news/in/profiles/Intl_profile_ChinaEarthquake.html

Palm Beach Gardens – weekend of June 6
Plantation – weekend of June 13
Naples – weekend of June 20
Miami – weekend of June 27

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this change, please call the Telecommunications Help Desk at 305-284-6565 or send an e-mail to telecomhelpdesk@miami.edu.

All full-time UM faculty members are eligible for IRDI funds as long as at least one faculty member on each application holds a primary faculty appointment at the Miller School.

Please submit your proposals to Muriel Industrious at mindustrious@med.miami.edu no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, July 28. For complete program details and application instructions, please visit http://www.miami.edu/research. If you have questions, please contact Muriel Industrious at mindustrious@med.miami.edu or Jennifer McCafferty-Cepero, Ph.D., at jmccafferty@med.miami.edu.

In this module you will have access to a communication timeline, which explains what to expect next, the compensation architecture and associated pay bands, and information about the appeal process.

To access the module, sign on to ULearn at http://ulearn.miami.edu/. If you have not used ULearn before, please follow the instructions and tutorials provided on the Web site. Once you are logged in, the computer-based learning module will be available by typing “compensation” in the “catalog search” field on the left navigation bar. To launch the module, click on the green arrow. Please note that ULearn is only accessible through Internet Explorer 6.0 and you must disable pop-up blockers. Tutorials on disabling pop-up blockers are available on the ULearn Web site. If you have any problems accessing ULearn or the module, please contact the Professional Development and Training Office at 305-243-3090.

We will continue to communicate regularly as this new plan is implemented. All Miller School employees are encouraged to learn more about the new compensation plan on the Medical Human Resources Web site at http://www.med.miami.edu/hr/.

Upon completion of the lecture, participants will be able to identify questions to ask patients with LLD, explain how to correctly perform physical examinations on patients with LLD, and detect when a patient needs referral to an orthopaedic surgeon for specialized management of LLD.

This lecture is designated for one continuing medical education credit. For more information or to receive a continuing medical education certificate, please contact Javier Salazar at jsalazar@med.miami.edu or 305-585-6042. If you are unable to attend, you may enter the meeting online at https://webmeeting.med.miami.edu/pedsgrandrounds/. If you need assistance with online access, please contact Neil Pilier at NPilier@med.miami.edu or 305-243-6892.

The event is open to the public and will take place on Wednesday, May 28, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Pediatrics South, 8932 SW 97th Avenue, Suite 10.

For more information, please contact Aja Cole at 305-270-3495.

For more information, contact Ledi Figueroa at lfigueroa@med.miami.edu or 305-243-6725.

Please RSVP to Rebecca Cardenas at 305-585-5640 or rcardenas@med.miami.edu no later than this Friday.

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

The purpose of the poster session is to showcase the department's research activities and provide an opportunity for the exchange of ideas. Miller School leadership, faculty, students and community mental health professionals who possess an interest in psychiatry and behavioral sciences are encouraged to attend. For more information, visit http://psychiatry.med.miami.edu/Events/Department-in-Action.aspx or e-mail Pamela Von Fuchs at pvonfuchs@med.miami.edu.

This class is a core requirement for all hiring managers. The session will take place on Thursday, June 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Dominion Parking Garage, suite 155. You must complete the corresponding online computer-based learning module prior to enrolling in the course. To complete the module and register, visit http://ulearn.miami.edu. For more information, call 305‐243‐3090.

Jennifer Marks, M.D., is currently recruiting patients ages 18 or older, who are obese with impaired glucose tolerance and have hypertension, for participation in a study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an angiotensin receptor blocker for protection against endothelial dysfunction. Patients must be non-smokers who are otherwise in good health. Those who are interested should contact Dr. Jorge Mejia-Galvis at 305-243-6573.

Sleep Maintenance Insomnia
Robert Schwartz, M.D., is recruiting subjects who are 18 years or older and have trouble sleeping through the night. Subjects must have insomnia for at least one month and have clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning. Those interested should contact Linda Cenci or Luis Roque at 305-243-1247, lcenci@med.miami.edu or lroque@med.miami.edu. 

The Division of Geriatrics is recruiting men and women age 65 and older to take part in a study of vitamin D in the prevention of frailty. Participants are asked to come for six visits over six months for blood and urine tests. If you or someone you know are interested, please call Silvina Levis, M.D., at 305-243-4330.

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.