Dr. Zhai is among 17 scientists nationally who were chosen for the award that encourages collaboration and the exchange of ideas. The Miller School’s first “fly person,” Dr. Zhai studies Drosophila, or fruit flies, which, because most of their genes are homologous to human genes, can provide scientists a glimpse of some of the most complex diseases.

“It is a huge honor to be named among the top early-stage biomedical researchers in the nation,” said Dr. Zhai. “The University, the Miller School of Medicine, the Neuroscience Center and the pharmacology department have provided tremendous support and an outstanding research environment. The Pew scholarship acknowledges the research excellence of our school and I am proud to represent UM.”

For more, click here.

Dr. Gailey, a faculty member since 1986, was honored with the American Physical Therapy Association’s Henry O. and Florence P. Kendall Award for Excellence in Practice. The award, named for two stalwarts of the physical therapy profession, is given annually to “a physical therapist who has made outstanding enduring contributions to the practice of physical therapy as exemplified in the professional careers of Henry O. and Florence P. Kendall.”

For more, click here.

About 80 people attended the symposium held June 13 and 14 at the School of Nursing and Health Studies. Organizers designed the curriculum to provide innovative interdisciplinary solutions and strategies to address the clinical anesthetic challenges of caring for patients presenting with cardiac pathology. School of Nursing Dean Nena Peragallo gave the event’s opening remarks and Dr. Lebron Cooper, chief of anesthesia at UMH, spoke about “The Future of Cardiac Anesthesia at UMH.” The Miller School’s Dr. Donald Williams, Dr. Mauricio Cohen and Dr. Jay Grossman were among the many presenters.

You recently received preservation letters in the mail regarding your previous individual disability policy. The letters outline payment options and the deadline of July 31 for retaining your individual LTD policy. You should only remit payment to these carriers if you wish to continue your individual LTD policy in addition to the new group UMMG LTD policy. 

If you are considering retaining your previous individual LTD policy, please note that you cannot collect from both the individual and the group policies at the same time; however, there are some situations in which retaining these policies may be advisable. For more information, please click here.

If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Cohen, executive director of health plan administration, at 305-243-7172 or jcohen1@miami.edu.

The early bird registration fee through June is only $100 for UM employees. For more information, visit http://www.miami.edu/magec or call 305-355-9123. Presented by the Miami Area Geriatric Education Center, the Miller School and the Miami VA GRECC.

Please RSVP to Pat Wedderburn at pwedderburn@med.miami.edu or for information, contact Ashwanth Srinivasan at asrinivasan@rsmas.miami.edu.

Classes will be led by BeSmokeFree Program director Scott Irwin, a nationally certified tobacco dependency treatment specialist. The program offers an extensive range of traditional, complementary and alternative tobacco education and treatment services to help smokers improve physical, emotional and spiritual wellness in addition to learning vital self-management skills needed to quit smoking for life. Free nicotine replacement gum, lozenges and patches will be available.

For more information, please contact Scott Irwin at 305-243-3537 or http://wellness.med.miami.edu/x81.xml.

For more information, please contact Mark Howell at mhowell@med.miami.edu. To sign up, call 305-243-7604 to receive payment information.

For more information, please contact the Office of Marketing at 305-243-3453 or marketing@med.miami.edu.

To access the training, go to http://ulearn.miami.edu/ and type "InfoEd" in the search box. You can review just one module in the series or complete all five. 

If you have questions, please contact the Sponsored Programs Education and Training Team at ResEDU@med.miami.edu.

To learn more or to register for training, visit Ulearn at http://ulearn.miami.edu. 

Fidelity Investments will be on campus on Wednesday, July 1. To schedule an appointment, visit www.fidelity.com/atwork/reservations or call Michael Erbaio at 239-560-0701.

TIAA-CREF will visit today (Tuesday). To schedule an appointment, visit www.tiaa-cref.irg/moc or call 866-842-3357 ext. 261304.

Lincoln Financial Group will also visit today. To schedule an appointment, contact Theresa Yong at 305-245-7332 or Theresa.Yong@LFG.com.

Also, don’t forget that you can always contact LTSave for UMatter free investment advice at 877-587-2832.

For more information, please contact Yanay Tabraue at 305-243-1998 or ytabraue@med.miami.edu.

To register for the session, visit ulearn.miami.edu and follow the instructions to log on. For more information, call 305-243-3090.

Lunch will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact Indira Abraham-Pratt at ipratt@med.miami.edu or 305-905-3915.

Please join us for the seminar tomorrow (Wednesday) from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Dominion Parking Garage, suite 155. Register at http://ulearn.miami.edu. For help with registration, call the Professional Development and Training Office at 305-243-3090.

For more information, please contact Jessica Busquets at 305-243-8785 or JBusquets@med.miami.edu.

Participants will review wills and trusts, insurance and retirement assets, living wills, probate, power of attorney, tax planning, and guardianships for minors. The event will take place this Friday from noon to 1 p.m. at Dominion Parking Garage, suite 155.

Please register through ULearn at http://ulearn.miami.edu. For help with ULearn, call the Professional Development and Training Office at 305-243-3090.

Ethicists have been interested in public dialogue about research in newborn screening programs, especially because the old models of informed consent are very difficult to implement in population-based research. For example, can specimens collected for a mandatory state newborn screening program be used later for research? The answer to this question is critical for opportunities to understand and treat diseases that have grown with new technology that allows detection of hundreds of conditions from a single specimen collected at birth. In this interactive session, Dr. Brosco will discuss a hypothetical study and add to the public dialogue about research in newborn screening.

Please register through ULearn. For more information, send an e-mail to ResEDU@med.miami.edu or call 305-243-5092.

For more information, please contact Yanay Tabraue at 305-243-1998 or ytabraue@med.miami.edu.

The University of Miami-Child Protection Team research group would like to invite medical professionals to participate in a study that aims to increase understanding of issues in newborn screening. For the purposes of this study medical professionals include faculty, medical residents and nurses working in pediatric practices within the Department of Pediatrics and the Division of Medical Genetics. The study is estimated to take 15 minutes to complete and participants will be compensated with $20. If you have any questions about the study or would like more information before deciding whether to participate, please contact the Principal Investigator of this study, Jason Jent, Ph.D., at 305-243-7550 or jjent@med.miami.edu.

The Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Clinical Psychology at the Mailman Center is currently enrolling participants for a research study that is validating a pediatric measure of acute stress disorder (ASD) in English and Spanish.  Participants are children between the ages of 8-17 who have experienced or witnessed potentially traumatic events such as car accidents, fires, frightening/painful medical procedures, and/or have been victims of community violence. Participants will be followed for 3 months after initial enrollment, will receive clinical referrals as needed and a thank-you gift certificate for their participation. For more information, please contact Dr. Anai Cuadra at 305-243-6562 or acuadra@med.miami.edu.

Hispanics and Circumcision
If you are a healthy, pregnant, HIV negative Hispanic female and/or male partner 18 years or older, you may be eligible to participate in this project (one session only) and assist with the evaluation of benefits of male circumcision as a possible HIV preventative measure by identifying attitudes of pregnant Hispanic women and her partners about circumcision of the unborn male child, explore the challenge of circumcision as an HIV prevention strategy and increase awareness in the Hispanic community regarding male circumcision. If eligible, you could earn up to $25 in compensation for your time (60 minutes) and effort. Please contact us today for more information at 305- 243-2103.

Tai Chi for Health and Smoking Cessation
The University of Miami Division of Complementary and Integrative Medicine in conjunction with the Medical Wellness Center is conducting a research study to determine if Tai Chi exercise is effective for helping people to stop smoking. Patches, gum, hypnosis...if you've tried everything and still can't quit smoking, Tai Chi may provide the ideal mind-body awareness to help you put out that last cigarette. Tai Chi combines deep breathing with postures that flow from one to the next through a series of slow, continuous movements to help you focus and reduce the stress and cravings typically associated with smoking.

Tai Chi engages all of your senses during the exercises, so you don't have time to notice that you want a cigarette. The conscious breath in Tai Chi practice is also known to help regulate the respiratory system and lessen the severity of asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis; all of which can afflict smokers. The course will focus on improving muscular strength and flexibility, heart and lung capacity, posture, balance, and the integration of mind and body.

If you qualify for this study, you will be assigned to a group of 8-12 people to participate in the Tai Chi exercise program three times per week for 12 weeks at the UM Medical Wellness Center. Classes are one hour long and will start the beginning of January. After the initial 12 weeks, you will also participate in a session once per week for the next 12 weeks. Master trainer Jef Morris will lead the Tai Chi course. Jef has been featured in articles in the Miami Herald and New York Times. The course cost is $84, which is the same cost as participating in the existing UM smoking cessation program. Upon successful completion of the program, Benefits Administration will reimburse the full amount to you if you are a UM employee. If you are not a UM Employee, then you will not be reimbursed for participating in the study.

To find out if you are eligible for the study or if you have any questions, please contact John Lewis, Ph.D., at 305-243-6227 or jelewis@miami.edu.

Is your child anxious or depressed?
The Child and Adolescent Mood and Anxiety Treatment (CAMAT) lab at the Psychology Department on the Coral Gables campus is now offering a free cognitive behavioral treatment program for teenagers ages 12-17 who have an anxiety or depressive disorder. After an initial phone screening a diagnostic assessment will be scheduled with one of our clinicians in order to understand each child’s feelings and behavior. If eligible, the study treatment will be offered.

If you would like to learn more about how you can get help and hear more about our program, please contact the CAMAT lab at 305-284-9852 or anxietylab@psy.miami.edu.

Racial Differences in Phosphorus Metabolism
The Division of Nephrology and Hypertension is interested in studying how the body gets rid of phosphorus in Black people compared to White people, because this may help explain racial differences in chronic kidney disease. Study volunteers will be given an infusion of a hormone called parathyroid hormone for six hours. During the six hours, blood and urine tests will be collected. A total of four study visits over approximately three weeks will be required.
They are looking for healthy black or white volunteers 18 years of age or older. You will not be able to participate if you have problems with your kidneys or liver, or if you are pregnant. Compensation will be provided for participation.

This study will be conducted in the general clinical research center at the University of Miami. To learn more about the study, please call Kelsey Smith at 305-243-4782.

This research is conducted under the direction of Orlando Gutierrez, M.D.

Are you having twins?  
The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine is conducting a twin birth study under the direction of Victor Gonzalez-Quintero, M.D., M.P.H., and in collaboration with Sunnybrook Health Science Center and the University of Toronto in Canada. For more information please call Pam Uharriet, RN, M.P.H., at 305-243-2168.

The Department of OB/GYN, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
(Urogynecology) at the Miller School is conducting a research study on Bulkamid, an investigational urethral bulking agent for minimally invasive treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). You may be eligible for this study if you are seeking treatment for urinary stress incontinence (involuntary leakage of urine during physical activity such as sneezing, coughing, or laughing). For more information, please contact Diann C. Fernandez, A.R.N.P., at 305-243-4805.

Have you been diagnosed with bipolar disorder? Do you have problems with alcohol or cocaine? Do you wish you could stop? Let us guide you on your way to recovery. Researchers at the Miller School are conducting a clinical study to see if an FDA approved medication for bipolar disorder offers any benefit in reducing alcohol and cocaine use and cravings. You may be eligible if you are between the ages of 18 and 65, have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, are dependent on alcohol or cocaine and do not have other major health problems. Study medications, laboratory studies, EKG and study procedures are provided at no cost to participants and you may be compensated for your time. To learn more, call 1-866-RECOVERY or 305-243-1571. All calls are confidential.

Do you have extremely oily or dry skin?
Leslie Baumann, M.D., of the University of Miami Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute, is looking for Caucasian women ages of 20 to 40 who are willing to participate in a research study to investigate whether there is a gene that can be identified to determine oily or dry skin types. You will be compensated up to $335.00 for your time. If you are interested in participating, contact a member of the research staff at 305-531-5788 or cosmeticresearch@med.miami.edu.

Mild to Moderate Acne
Leslie Baumann, M.D., of the University of Miami Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute, is looking for men and women ages 12 to 45 who have moderate acne and are currently not on any treatment medication to participate in a research study to determine whether a new product significantly improves acne. The study consists of five visits spread over a three-month period. You will be compensated $35 for each visit. If interested, please contact a member of the research staff at 305-531-5788, cosmeticresearch@med.miami.edu or www.derm.net.

Leslie Baumann, M.D., professor and director of the Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute, 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 Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute located in the Miami Heart Institute, 4701 N. Meridian Avenue, Nichol Building, Suite 7450, Miami Beach.

The Department of Neurology, Cerebrovascular Division is conducting a research study to validate a Functional Outcome Measure in patients that suffered visual field loss after brain injury. For more information and eligibility criteria, please contact Iszet Campo-Bustillo at 305-585-1851 or icampo@med.miami.edu.

The Departments of Neurology and Radiology are conducting research studies examining age-related changes in cognitive and motor function, along with new brain imaging techniques. Participants should be healthy adults over age 40 with no history of major neurologic or psychiatric disease. Eligible participants will be asked to participate in activities to assess verbal/non-verbal skills and motor function. Some studies include an MRI at no cost. If you are interested in participating, please call 305-243-7529 to speak to the study coordinator.

The Departments of Neurology and Radiology are conducting research studies to examine changes in cognitive and motor function, along with new brain imaging techniques. Participants must be between the ages of 40 to 79 with Parkinson’s disease. Eligible participants will perform activities to assess verbal/non-verbal skills and motor function. MRI's, if conducted, will be done at no cost. If you are interested in participating, please call 305-243-7529 to speak to the study coordinator.

Physician-Patient Relationship Study
The Center on Aging is conducting a study on the impact of patient-acquired Internet health information on physician-patient relationships. The study will explore how this information affects office visits and the overall positive and negative outcomes that result from patients using the Internet for health information. If you are a physician who sees patients and are interested in participating in a brief interview study, please contact Jessica Hirth at 305-355-9020 or jhirth@med.miami.edu.

El Centro, Center of Excellence for Hispanic Health Disparities Research, is recruiting participants for the following studies:

 •Project VIDA (Violence, Intimate Relationships & Drugs Among Latinos)
Elias Vasquez, Ph.D., and colleagues are recruiting Hispanic men ages 18 to 55 for a pilot study exploring substance abuse, violence, risky sexual behaviors and associated conditions among this population. The results from this study will be used for interventions to reduce these conditions among Hispanic men in South Florida.

•Preventing HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Hispanic Women
Nilda Peragallo, Dr.P.H., is recruiting Hispanic women ages 18 to 50 for a randomized trial of a group intervention to reduce sexual risk behaviors and intimate partner violence. To be eligible, women must have been sexually active during the 3 months prior to enrollment.

•Treating Behavior Problems and Promoting Healthy Development in Hispanic Adolescents
Daniel Santisteban, Ph.D., is recruiting Hispanic adolescents ages 11 to 14 and their families for a randomized trial comparing family-based and individually-based treatments to reduce current behavior problems and prevent future substance use and risky sexual behaviors in adolescents. To be eligible, the adolescent must be Hispanic and have difficulties in two of the following four areas: conduct, depression, attention deficit, or family conflict. 

For more information on studies conducted by El Centro, contact Tania Lopez at 1-888-262-9481 or tlopez1@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.

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.

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:

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.

The Department of Psychology and the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Division of Biobehavioral Oncology 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 three 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 call 305-243-3329 or e-mail madeline@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. Participants will be reimbursed for time and effort. Three psychosocial/medical assessments are also required. If you are interested in this study or would like more information, please call 305-243-3329, or e-mail madeline@miami.edu.

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

• 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 ug/kg) of IL-7 given by SQ injection once a week for 3 weeks. Up to $275 in food certificates provided.

• An investigational HIV treatment vaccine, Vacc-4x, for adults with HIV on antiretroviral therapy. The study vaccine is made in the laboratory and includes four protein copies from the HIV virus. It is given with Leukine a blood cell growth factor used to help improve one’s response to the vaccine. Participants must be taking antiretroviral therapy for at least 12 months, have an HIV RNA <50 copies/ml and CD4 cells > 400 /cmm and be 18 to 55 years of age. Six vaccinations with Vacc-4x and Leukine or placebo over 18 weeks will be received with a two out of three chance of receiving Vacc-4x, followed by up to 24 weeks of antiretroviral therapy interruption following vaccinations. The Study includes 16 study visits over 52 weeks with monthly visits during therapy interruption and safety guidelines for restarting therapy. Study visits include a medical history, physical examination and immune studies. Vaccinations may cause skin reactions and flu like symptoms. Each participant will receive $25 in food certificates for each completed study visit.

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.