June
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Bill Griffith as Head of the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics. Dr. Griffith will assume the position effective June 1. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Griffith to this new role.
Also, I want to thank Dr. John Gelderd for serving as Interim Head of the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics for the past 10 months. Dr. Gelderd has done an excellent job of bringing together a new department, and I appreciate his leadership and work in this role.
The Health Science Center recently hired David Cantrell as the new CIO. He will be on board the first week in June. He has excellent experience in healthcare and educational institutions, so he seems to be a good fit for the HSC and the various components.
The new Curriculum Committee is in place and will begin meeting soon. The new structure is a result of recommendations from the LCME as well as the Basic Science Department Realignment process. The new members include: Wei-Jung Chen, Ph.D. - Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics; Jeff Kapler, Ph.D. - Molecular and Cellular Medicine; Keller Matthews, M.D. – Anesthesiology; Paul Ogden, M.D. - Internal Medicine; Thomas Peterson, Ph.D. - Systems Biology and Translational Medicine; Mohsen Shabahang, M.D. – Surgery; Vernon Tesh, Ph.D. - Microbial and Molecular Pathogenesis; and Marc Via, M.D. - Family and Community Medicine. Donald Wilson, M.D., Pediatrics, has graciously agreed to serve as Chair. Drs. Ben Green, Kelly Hester and Ken Torrington will serve as Ex Officio members.
I have established an Implementation Group to put together a plan to move forward with planning the dual campus implementation. Dr. Ben Green will chair the committee of three faculty members from College Station and three faculty members from Temple.
It is budget time again and we are currently working with the HSC to determine our biennial budget. I will let you know more when the budget is finalized.
Finally, the TRB bill was approved by the legislature and is currently awaiting Governor Perry's signature. As with the budget, I will present this information to you along with implications for the College when everything is signed, sealed, and delivered.
Medical, Graduate Students Receive Degrees
Graduates of the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences received their degrees at the 2006 Commencement ceremony, held Saturday, May 20 at 2 p.m. at Rudder Auditorium.The 2006 Commencement speaker was physician and philosopher Dr. John Stone, associate professor at Tuskegee University National Center for Bioethics in Research and Health Care. Dr. Stone spoke to the class about how to survive and flourish, how to approach cross-cultural issues and how to eliminate health care disparities. He encouraged the graduates to respect others, learn from their mistakes, pursue humility and to take responsibility for learning strategies for change.
Griffith Named Head of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics
William H. Griffith, Ph.D., has been appointed head of the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics by Dean Christopher Colenda, M.D., M.P.H. Dr. Griffith is a professor in the Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics and will assume the head position effective June 1, 2006."I am excited about the formation of our new Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics," Dr. Griffith says. "I look forward to working with all the members of the department, as well as the Dean and other Department Heads to build a vibrant Neuroscience teaching and research program within the College of Medicine. We have a great opportunity to enhance the excellent research programs that already exist within the college".
A dedicated and productive member of the faculty since arriving at the College of Medicine in 1984, Dr. Griffith has developed several neuropharmacology courses for medical and graduate students that he continues to teach. His primary research interest is the neuropharmacology of aging, and he has been prolific in obtaining $4.15 million in research grants. In addition, Dr. Griffith continues to serve the students acting as major professor and committee member.
Scholtz Appointed Molecular and Cellular Medicine Department Head
J. Martin Scholtz, Ph.D., was appointed head of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine by the Dean, Christopher Colenda, M.D., M.P.H. Dr. Scholtz served as interim head since June 1, 2003, and assumed the head position April 1, 2006."An outstanding scientist in the field of protein folding and a terrific teacher, Dr. Scholtz was a consummate leader in his role as Interim Department Head for Medical Biochemistry," Dr. Colenda said. "As the college navigated the challenges of basic science departmental realignment, Dr. Scholtz held steady during times of uncertainty and championed the values of the faculty. The college could not ask for a better leader as we build our biomedical research enterprise and the new department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine."
Texas Brain and Spine Institute Announced
A collaborative effort between doctors, clinicians, scientists and institutions, all focused on the research and care of neurological disorders, was unveiled today as the Texas Brain and Spine Institute (TBSI).The TBSI is a multidisciplinary collaboration between St. Joseph Regional Health Center, a group of more than 20 neuroscience specialists, and the neuroscience research programs at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine. The Institute is designed to be a center of excellence in neuroscience, providing a network of clinical and academic resources that will offer state of the art diagnostic and treatment services for neurological disorders, while at the same time furthering neuroscience research.
"The collaboration creates an even closer working relationship among clinicians in the treatment of neurological disorders, and this will improve patient care." said Dr. Jonathan Friedman, Director of TBSI and Assistant Professor of Surgery and Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics . "While research and technology are key parts of a true center of excellence, taking good care of the patient must always remain the most important mission."
The first year for the Texas Brain and Spine Institute will see many new developments and programs, including disease-specific models of care and new technology such as stereotactic radiosurgery. "One of our first goals is to break ground on our main building for TBSI," according to Dr. Friedman. "Conceptual plans are being developed and a location is expected to be finalized soon, with a goal of completing the building in by 2007."
2006 Senior Banquet Awards
College of Medicine fourth-year students and the faculty members who taught them received awards at the Senior Banquet, Friday, May 19. Held annually the evening before Commencement, the Senior Banquet allows graduating students to reminisce and thank those that helped them along the way.Award winners at the 2006 Senior Banquet were:
AMWA Glasgow-Rubin Certificate of Commendation for Academic Achievement: Julie Fuller
Merck Award: Jed Grisel and Monty Shah
The 2006 Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, presented by The Arnold P. Gold Foundation: Dr. Paul Bolton (faculty) and Leslie Strickland (student)
Departmental Awards from College Station:
James A. Knight Award for Excellence in Humanities in Medicine Award: Leslie Strickland
James A. Knight Award for Leadership in Medicine: Jed Grisel
The Antony Van Leeuwenhoek Award for Excellence in Microbiology: Brett Nelson
Best Student in Medical Pharmacology & Toxicology Award: Eamon Berge
Top Pathology Student Award: Monty Shah and Eamon Berge
Departmental Awards from Temple:
Don B. Cauthen Excellence in Family Medicine Award): Terrance Hines
John C. Starr Award for Excellence in Internal Medicine: Hannah Deppish
Internal Medicine Service Award for Dedication to the Internal Medicine Student Interest Group: Lara Barnett
Dudley P. Baker, MD Award for Excellence in Obstetrics and Gynecology: Veronica Gonzales
Henry B. Hahn, Jr. Award for Outstanding Performance on a Pediatric Clerkship: Julie Fuller
Richard K. Gaines, MD Award for Excellence in Psychiatry: Jed Grisel
Raleigh R. White Award for Surgical Excellence: Jeremy Rush
Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Medical Student Excellence in Emergency Medicine Award: Dominic Lucia
2nd Annual Texas ACEP Emergency Medicine Award: Dominic Lucia
Award for Outstanding performance during a Clinical Clerkship in Otolaryngology: Jed Grisel
Class Awards:
Family Medicine:
Outstanding Resident - Eric Glassberg, M.D.
Outstanding Faculty – John Manning, M.D.
Internal Medicine:
Outstanding Resident – Michael Bui, M.D.
Outstanding Faculty – John Starr, M.D.
Obstetrics and Gynecology:
Outstanding Resident – Tyler Hancock, M.D.
Outstanding Faculty – Russell Fothergill. M.D.
Pediatrics:
Outstanding Resident – Asish Patel. M.D.
Outstanding Faculty – Sharyl Santema, M.D.
Psychiatry:
Outstanding Resident – Manuel Castro, M.D.
Outstanding Faculty – William Meek, M.D.
Surgery:
Outstanding Resident – James Bordelon, M.D.
Outstanding Faculty – Moshen Shabahang, M.D.
Outstanding Clinical Clerkship Award: Ob/Gyn
Outstanding Clerkship Coordinator: Sara Federle
COM Alumnus Elected to HemaCare Board of Directors
Teresa S. Sligh, M.D., a 1996 graduate of the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, has been elected to the HemaCare Corporation Board of Directors. Since 2003, Dr. Sligh has served as President and Medical Director of Providence Clinical Research, a clinical research consulting company. She was the Chief Medical/Strategy Officer from 2001 to 2003 of Capital Technology Information Services, Inc., a clinical research information support company. Dr. Sligh will chair HemaCare's Quality Assurance Committee, and is a member of the Compensation Committee.2006 Magnolia Tea a Success
The College of Medicine hosted the second annual Magnolia Tea Wednesday, May 3 at 2 p.m. More than 50 guests attended the event, which was held at The Greenbranch in Bryan. The Magnolia Tea was first hosted in 2005 to highlight women's research initiatives at the College of Medicine and to provide a venue for sharing up-to-date information gained from this research. A social and educational event, the Magnolia Tea draws ladies of all ages together from Bryan-College Station area.College of Medicine faculty member and alumnus Dr. William Rayburn served as this year's featured speaker, and presented an engaging talk entitled "Are You Confused? Controversies in Women's Health". Last year's featured speaker, Dr. Farida Sohrabji, also gave a short update on her research into menopause and hormone replacement therapy. Brenda Sims of KBTX served as the emcee for the second year.
The 2006 Magnolia Tea was sponsored in part by the Texas A&M University Women's Gender and Equity Resource Center and Seamless Home Products, Inc.
Parmer Elected Chair of AAMC Dean's Assistants Group
Marie Parmer, Executive Secretary in the Temple Dean's Office, was elected chair-elect at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Deans' Assistants Group meeting in Savannah, Georgia on May 2. She will serve as chair-elect for one year, chair for one year and then past-chair for an additional year. Ms. Parmer has been an active member of the AAMC Deans' Assistants Group since 1996, and serves on the board and many committees.In addition to the recognition of her leadership at the AAMC, Ms. Parmer has received many accolades at the college and HSC level as well. She also received the Outstanding Staff Award in appreciation of her service and support from the College of Medicine in December 1998, and the Presidential Award of Excellence for Administrative Support by the Texas A&M Health Science Center in January 2006.
Dehmer to Lead Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions
Dr. Gregory J. Dehmer, Scott & White Cardiology Division Director and College of Medicine professor of Internal Medicine, was recently installed as the 29th President of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) during the society's Annual Scientific Sessions in Chicago.Quality issues and initiatives will top Dr. Dehmer's priorities as he heads the 3,400-plus member organization over the coming year. "SCAI's mission is to promote excellence in invasive and interventional cardiovascular medicine," he said. "Providing high-quality care has always been important, and it is now very clear that governmental agencies, payers, and the public have developed a keen interest in this area."
Cirillo, McMurray Spearhead National Initiative to Sequence Guinea Pig Genome
Two faculty members in the College of Medicine's Department of Microbial and Molecular Pathogenesis, Jeffrey Cirillo, Ph.D. and David McMurray, Ph.D., have recently completed a proposal for submission to the National Human Genome Research Institute for sequencing the guinea pig genome. A national effort of numerous investigators, Drs. Cirillo and McMurray are champions in the endeavor to get this important laboratory model sequenced."We are extremely excited by the opportunity to have the genome of the guinea pig sequenced because they represent one of the cornerstones of laboratory models for human diseases," Dr. Cirillo says. "Guinea pigs are a superior model to that of most animals because of their inherent similarity to humans in numerous physiological and immunological processes, which is why these animals have contributed to more than 10 Nobel prizes in medicine."
Scholtz Garners Advanced Research Program Award
During the last year, faculty members across the Health Science Center submitted proposals for funding to the Advanced Research Program (ARP) totaling more than $2.1 million. The College of Medicine's own Dr. Marty Scholtz was one of only two recipients from the Health Science Center to receive the 2006 awards.Dr. Scholtz was awarded $100,000 for his proposal, "Insights into the Molecular Basis of Amyloid Diseases". This is his second time to receive an ARP award, his first coming in 1999.
Trevino Completes GTA Fellow Certificate Program
Saul Trevino, graduate student in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, was actively involved with the on-campus organization Graduate Teaching Academy (GTA) and the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) during the academic year 2005-2006. He was a GTA Fellow and completed the GTA Fellow Certificate Program.The mission of the GTA is to provide graduate students professional development in the area of college teaching. The GTA strives to supplement research-oriented graduate programs with a teaching oriented program that offers graduate students preparation for a career involving teaching in higher education.
"I would like to teach at the college level so I wanted to do the program to gain more knowledge about teaching," Trevino says. "It was a very informative program which provides an introduction to many teaching issues. In the fall, we had to attend several seminars given by college professors who have been recognized for their teaching excellence. Then in the spring, we observed several classes, performed service projects, and started creating our teaching portfolios. Hopefully, completing this program will assist me in getting a teaching position. Next year, I will be part of the Graduate Teaching Academy Steering Committee and assist with the leadership of the program."
The GTA program is free for all graduate students who recognize that their career will include teaching in a college or university setting. The GTA is a one-year voluntary program that can be entered at the beginning of the fall or spring semester. Participants who complete a series of requirements set forth by the GTA are eligible to obtain a Certificate of Completion designating them as a "GTA Fellow".
Simpson Places First at Student Research Week
For senior biology major Ashley Simpson, the past year has been a busy one. Since May 2005, Simpson has been doing research and working with graduate student Dani Lewis in Dr. Farida Sohrabji's lab at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine. The experience has allowed her to garner credit toward her undergraduate degree, and set her on a path to her future.As part of the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, Simpson needed her own research project and something she could present in a public forum. During the course of her work in the Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics Department, she found her niche and has spent the better part of a year studying the relationships between age, alcohol and astrocytes in female rats.
As a biology major, Simpson's interest in neuroscience started out in a much more general setting.
"I had taken molecular cell biology and studied basic neuroscience," Simpson says. "But I was looking for more depth, so this opportunity was perfect for me."
FACULTY
Family & Community Medicine
Dr. Rachel Bramson gave a presentation, "An Innovative Multidisciplinary Strategy for Teaching Communication Skills Training to Medical Students", at the Southern Group of Educational Affairs Annual Meeting May 5 in Galveston, Texas. The authors were: Rachel Bramson, M.D., M.S., Angela M. Heads, M.A. and Forrest Lang, M.D.The mission of the Southern Group on Educational Affairs is to foster excellence along the continuum of medical education - undergraduate medical education, graduate medical education, and continuing medical education - by providing a forum for discussing the concerns of the medical education profession, serving as a resource, and acting in an advisory capacity to the GEA and AAMC. This mission is accomplished through communication, cooperation and shared respect among its members.
RECENT PUBLICATIONS
Molecular and Cellular Medicine
Yakisich, JS, and Kapler, GM. Deletion of the Tetrahymena thermophila rDNA replication fork barrier region disrupts macronuclear rDNA excision and creates a fragile site in the micronuclear genome. Nucleic Acids Research 34:620-634 (2006).Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics
Huang, LZ and Winzer-Serhan, UH. Effects of para-formaldehyde fixation on nicotinic receptor binding activity in adult and developing rat brain slices. Journal of Neuroscience Methods Volume 153(2), 312-317 (2006).
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DATES TO REMEMBER
July 24-28: Orientation Week for Class of 2010
July 28-29: 25 th Reunion Weekend for the charter Class of 1981
July 29: White Coat Ceremony for Class of 2010
Christopher C. Colenda, M.D., M.P.H.
Dean, College of Medicine
The Texas A&M Health Science Center
147 Joe H. Reynolds Medical Building
College Station, TX 77843-1114
Phone: 979-845-3431
Fax: 979-847-8663
Email: colenda@medicine.tamhsc.edu
