March
We officially kicked off our 30th Anniversary year this week. Look for events and publicity related to this event throughout the year. We hope to generate increased community and alumni interest in the college through our efforts to celebrate our history.
Mini Medical School was a great success this year! We had between 75 and 115 people attend each session. A special thanks to all our faculty members and students who participated in this event. We really appreciate your help, as we could not offer this community outreach program without you!
The Health Science Center is proceeding with the planning process for the new campus. They are interviewing A & E firms this week and hope to make a selection soon.
We are currently working on various campus expansion plans. I will be discussing these at the Town Hall Meeting on the 15th. There is the potential of campus expansion to Round Rock, so I will discuss the implications of this at the Town Hall. All of our expansion plans are dependent on funding from the legislature, so we are working with the legislative and budget folks at the HSC to make certain we request adequate funding for our potential projects.
Chiou Receives 2007 Patent and Innovation Awards
Texas A&M University System researchers and inventors were honored February 23 during the 2007 Patent and Innovation Awards hosted by the System’s Office of Technology Commercialization. The luncheon and awards ceremony were held at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center in the George Bush Presidential Library complex at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.Five Innovation Awards were presented to scientists and inventors whose research exemplifies the spirit of innovation within the A&M System.
Innovation Award recipients included George Chiou, a professor of neuroscience and experimental therapeutics at the Texas A&M Health Science Center, and a leader in the research and development of new drugs for eye diseases. For the full story, visit: http://medicine.tamhsc.edu/communications/latestnews.html#news022307
Alpini Named Fellow of the American Gastroenterological Association
The Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine announced that Gianfranco Alpini, Ph.D. has been named Fellow of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the nation’s oldest medical society dedicated to disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Through the fellowship program, the AGA honors superior professional achievement in clinical private or academic practice and in basic or clinical research. Fellowships are awarded to AGA members whose accomplishments and contributions demonstrate personal commitment to the field of gastroenterology.For the full story, visit: http://medicine.tamhsc.edu/communications/latestnews.html#news020507
A&M Chapter Named TMA Chapter of the Year
The TMA Medical Student Section met in Austin February 2-4 to continue work on the key issues facing medicine, and to hold elections for the 2007-2008 academic year. M3 Rob Bour was promoted from the position of Executive Council Chair to the Student Representative to the TMA Board of Trustees, while M3 Brad Faglie was re-elected to the TMA-MSS Executive Council as a TMA Delegate Co-Leader.
The 2006-2007 officers of the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine chapter of the Texas Medical Association (TMA) are also pleased to announce the school’s selection as the TMA Chapter of the Year. The accomplishment came about through the hard work, not only of the officers, but also the entire student body, and the support of the faculty and staff. The primary goal of this year’s chapter was to reach out to the community through various projects, while also increasing student involvement.
The response from the student body was overwhelming and was evident in several ways. The first step was to keep the already implemented projects strong, and to improve on them if possible. These included S.T.A.T. (Stand Tall Against Tobacco), which informs local 7th graders about the dangers of smoking, and Health Circus, which provides free screenings and immunizations to Brazos Valley children. Though funded through TMA, these organizations are run by their respective officers, who showed great merit and not only earned another year of funding, but also increased the amount they were provided. For the full story, visit: http://medicine.tamhsc.edu/communications/latestnews.html#news021907
Faculty Research Colloquium Slated For March 7
The College of Medicine Faculty Advisory Committee is sponsoring a Faculty Research Colloquium to be held quarterly, alternating between the College Station and Temple campuses. The next colloquium will be held in Room 109 of the Medical Education Building in Temple and simulcast to Lecture Hall 1 of the Reynolds Medical Building in College Station Wednesday, March 7 at 5:00 p.m. College of Medicine researcher Dr. Keith Young will be the featured speaker, and will present “A Brain Anatomical Phenotype for Depression and PTSD”. A reception including light snacks and adult beverages will follow the colloquium in Temple and College Station. Please RSVP to Mary Ann Wolff at mawolff@medicine.tamhsc.edu before Friday, March 2nd and provide the location you will be attending.
Students Organizing “Physician Heal Thyself” Seminar
The members of the Class of 2007 Gold Humanism Honor Society are developing a project called the Physician Heal Thyself (PHT) seminar. The PHT project will take place in College Station and involves two half-day sessions to be held March 1 and March 23. The first half-day will concentrate on introducing students to the concept of physician wellness and the importance of personal health and personal growth. The second half-day session will include multiple 45-minute interactive workshops focused on increasing students’ understanding of the need for ongoing support of the mind, body, and spirit for maintaining general wellness.
It is the hope of organizers that after completing the seminar, College of Medicine students and their families will be better able to maintain physical, mental, and spiritual health throughout their training and practicing years. This, in turn, will enhance their abilities to comprehensively, energetically, and compassionately care for their future patients.
The PHT project has been incorporated into the curriculum for this March, and is being sponsored by the Dean's office, Dr. Nancy Dickey, the Department of Psychiatry, the Department of Family Medicine, the Department of Humanities and the national Gold Humanism Honor Society.
Cirillo Interviewed as Meningitis Expert
Officials at both Baylor and Prairie View A&M Universities are working to contain the spread of bacterial meningitis. A Baylor freshman struck by the illness is now in intensive care and a pair of Prairie View students are also receiving treatment.
Meanwhile, both campuses are spreading the message that this is an infection not to be taken lightly. Jeffrey Cirillo is an associate professor of Microbial and Molecular Pathogenesis at Texas A&M Health Science Center.
He said the effects of meningitis can be severe.
"[It can cause] swelling around the brain and in the brain stem leading to [a] shut down, potentially [of] neurological capabilities," Cirillo said.
For the full story and to watch video, visit: http://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/5813771.html
Andrews-Polymenis Serves as Salmonella Expert for Local Media
In the most recent bacterial outbreak, nearly 300 people have gotten sick because of salmonella traced to certain brands of peanut butter. This comes only months after a Taco Bell scare and the spinach recall because of E-Coli. Now, many Americans are asking the question, is our food safe?
"People are paying more attention to these outbreaks and when they do occur in large clusters like this, it does tend to attract a lot of attention," Helene L. Andrews-Polymenis, a professor with The Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine said. For the full story and to watch video, visit: http://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/5939096.html
S&W Faculty Selected as Texas Monthly's Super Doctors
In the December 2006 issue of Texas Monthly, 31 Scott & White faculty physicians were named as Super Doctors, up from 16 in 2005.
This year’s list includes:
Andrejs Avots-Avotins, M.D., Ph.D. Division of Gastroenterology
Dudley Baker, M. D., Chair, Department of OB/GYN
Glen O. Brindley, M. D., Chair, Department of Ophthalmology
Clifford Buckley, M.D., FACS; Director, Division of Vascular Surgery
David Butler, M. D., Director, Division of Dermatology
Phillip Cain, M. D., Associate Chair, Department of Medicine
Charles Capen, M. D., Director, Division of Gynecology
Marilyn Clark, M. D., Division of Rheumatology
Gregory Dehmer, M. D., Director, Division of Cardiology
Richard Erickson, M. D., Director, Division of Gastroenterology
John P. Erwin, III, M. D., Division of Cardiology
Kirby Hitt, M. D., Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Bruce Koehler, M. D., Director, Section of Community Internal Medicine
Richard Lenehan, M. D., Chairman, Department of Neurology
Dennis Lynch, M. D., Division of Cosmetic Surgery/Plastic Surgery
William Meek, M. D., Division of Adult Mental Health
Veronica Piziak, M. D., Ph.D., Director, Division of Endocrinology
Jose Pliego, M. D., Section of Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility
Robert Probe, M. D., Chairman, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
William Rayburn, M. D., Medical Director, College Station Clinic, Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology
T. Philip Reilly, M. D., Director, Division of Urology
Charles Reiter, M. D., Director, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Bob Shull, M. D., Chief, Section of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
Mark Sicilio, M. D., Department of Pediatrics College Station
Samuel Snyder, M. D., Chief, Section of Endocrine Surgery
John Starr, M. D., Division of Allergy
Patricia Sulak, M. D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
David Weldon, M. D., Department of Allergy/Clinical Immunology College Station
Don Wilson, M. D., Chair, Department of Pediatrics
Thomas Wincek, M. D., Ph.D., Chief, Section of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Robert Wiprud, M. D., Director, Division of Family Medicine College Station
Texas Medical Schools and Teaching Hospitals Make a Major Economic Impact
A new report from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) reveals that its member medical schools and teaching hospitals had a combined economic impact of $451 billion on their states and the nation in 2005. In Texas, the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine and other academic medical centers across the state had a combined economic impact of $26,609,644,415.
Texas medical schools and major teaching hospitals are directly and indirectly responsible for more than 177,096 full-time jobs. The TAMHSC College of Medicine directly employs more than 275 people, while our clinical teaching partners employ thousands more. For the full story, visit: http://medicine.tamhsc.edu/communications/latestnews.html#news020107
U.S. Medical School Enrollment Projected to Increase by 17 Percent
First-year enrollment in U.S. medical schools is projected to increase 17 percent by 2012 to nearly 19,300 students, according to an annual survey of medical school expansion plans released today by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
“The need for more doctors is real and will become more urgent as our population grows and ages,” said AAMC President Darrell G. Kirch, M.D. “This increase is a significant step in the right direction, and we are pleased that 71 U.S. medical schools plan to expand their class sizes over the next five years. But clearly, we must find additional ways to stimulate more growth in medical school capacity so that we have enough doctors to care for our nation in the coming decades.”
For the full story, visit: http://medicine.tamhsc.edu/communications/latestnews.html#news021207
CDC Publishes Annual Report on America's Health
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have published the 30th annual report on the nation's health. "Health, United States, 2006" includes trends and data on health status, healthcare use, healthcare resources, and healthcare expenditures. Much of the data includes information on racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in health. The report also includes a chartbook, "Trends in the Health of Americans," which assesses the current state of the nation's health and how it is changing. This year's edition of the chartbook features a special focus on pain.
To view the report, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/hus.htm
HUMANITIES IN MEDICINE
Gastel Update
Congratulations to Barbara Gastel, M.D., M.P.H.! Dr. Gastel co-edited and contributed to the proceedings of the conference commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. (Gastel B, Hallock JA, eds. Impact of International Medical Graduates on U.S. and Global Health Care: Proceedings of the 50th Anniversary Invitational Conference of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. Supplement to Academic Medicine, Volume 81, Number 12, December 2006.)
In addition, her review of the book “The Great Stink of Paris and the Nineteenth-Century Struggle Against Filth and Germs” appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine on November 9, 2006. She also has been elected chair-elect of the American Association for the Advancement of Science Section on General Interest in Science and Engineering.
Rosen Organizes Fay Lecture Series
David H. Rosen, M.D., McMilan Professor of Analytical Psychology, Professor of Humanities in Medicine and Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, is coordinating the Texas A&M University, Department of Psychology, 2007 Annual Fay Lecture Series in Analytical Psychology, April 13-15, 2007. Beverley Zabriski, New York City will be the speaker for the series entitled, “Emotion and Transformation: From Myth to Neuroscience”.
The Carolyn and Ernest Fay Lecture and Book Series in Analytical (Jungian) Psychology was established to further the ideas of C.G. Jung among students, faculty, therapists and citizens, as well as to enhance the scholarly activities related to analytical psychology. The Lecture and Book Series addresses topics of importance to the individual and to society. The annual Lecture Series consists of four lectures with subsequent publication by Texas A&M University Press. For information call 979-845-0477.
Medicine and Humanities Consultation
The next Medicine and Humanities Consultation will be March 19 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Halley House in Salado, Texas. Tom Mayo, J.D., Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law will be presenting and leading the discussion on Current Issues in Advance Directives. The Consultation is coordinated by Dr. Don Self, Professor, Humanities in Medicine.
OFFICE OF RESEARCH
Funding Opportunities
2008 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards
Deadline: April 30, 2007
Web: www.tamest.org
Radiology
Dr. Mike Middleton just finished a term as President of the American College of Nuclear Physicians (ACNP). The ACNP is the main academic college for nuclear physicians (about 350 members) and is closely affiliated with the Society of Nuclear Medicine. Dr. Middleton is also serving a concurrent role as President of the Southwest Chapter (includes Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico and Arkansas) of the Society of Nuclear Medicine.
The ACNP has a mission to promote and advocate socioeconomic, scientific and quality issues as they relate to nuclear medicine and nuclear radiology. On February 15-18, the ACNP and the Society of Nuclear Medicine had a joint midwinter meeting in San Antonio, Texas. At this meeting, Dr. Middleton presented Fellowship Certificates to new ACNP Fellows, presided over the Board of Regents' business meeting, presided over the ACNP Awards dinner, and eventually was awarded a plaque for service to the College as the 2006-2007 ACNP President.
FACULTY
Family & Community Medicine
Dr. Rachel Bramson presented the abstract “Improving Self-Efficacy of Medical Students’ Communication Skills Using the Common Ground Method” at the 33rd Annual Predoctoral Education Conference held in Memphis, Tennessee in January.
Humanities in Medicine
Charles Sanders will travel to Salt Lake City to present the poster, “Learning Basic Skills with Mental Imagery: Simulation Center in the Brain”, at the 2007 Annual Meeting of Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Association of Professors of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Working on the research for this poster with Dr. Sanders are Mark Sadoski, Ph. D., Kim van Walsum, Ph.D., Rachel Bramson, M.D., Robert Wiprud, M.D., and Theresa Fossum, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Dr. Rachel Bramson will present “An Effective Method for Teaching Patient-centered Communication Skills to Second-year Medical Students” at the 27th Annual Conference on Families and Health in Austin in March 2007.
Microbial and Molecular Pathogenesis
Dr. German Rosas-Acosta presented “Interactions Between the Cellular Sumoylation System and Influenza Virus” at the annual meeting of the Rio Grande Branch of the American Society for Microbiology at the University of Texas at El Paso in January.
Dr. John Quarles participated in the Association of Medical School Microbiology and Immunology Chairs (AMSMIC) meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on January 15-21, 2007. He helped lead a session on medical student education.
RESEARCH
Microbial and Molecular Pathogenesis
Dr. David McMurray received the Notice of Award for the next fiscal year of his NIH grant (R01 AI15495-25) entitled “Dietary deficiencies and tuberculosis vaccine efficacy”. The total award is $284,162 for the period 02/01/07 to 01/31/08.
Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics
Dr. Rajesh Miranda received the Notice of Award for the NIH grant (NS041548) entitled “Learning Within the Spinal Cord: Clinical Implications”. The annual total costs for the four-year grant are $353,093.
RECENT PUBLICATIONS
Humanities in Medicine
Dusold, R, and Sadoski, M. Self-Directed Learning versus Lecture in Medicine, Academic Exchange Quarterly, (Winter) 104: 29-32 (2007).
Sadoski, M and Sanders, CW. Student Course Evaluations: Common Themes across Courses and Years, Medical Education Online, 12, 2: 1-9 (2007).
Microbial and Molecular Pathogenesis
Chapkin, RS, McMurray, DN and Lupton, JR. Colon cancer, fatty acids and anti-inflammatory compounds. Current Opinion in Gastroenterology. 23: 48-54 (2007).
Chapkin, RS, Davidson, LA, Ly, L, Weeks, BR, Lupton, JR and McMurray, DN. Immunomodulatory effects of (n-3) fatty acids: putative link to inflammation and colon cancer. Journal of Nutrition. 137: 200S-204S (2007).
Bartzatt, R, Cirillo, SLG and Cirillo JD. Design and in vitro evaluation of five inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery 4:000-000 (2007).
Subbian, S, Mehta, PK, Cirillo, SLG and Cirillo, JD. The Mycobacterium marinum mel2 locus displays similarity to bacterial bioluminescence systems and plays a role in defense against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. BMC Microbiology 7:4 (2007).
Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics
Zou, YH and Chiou, GCY. Apigenin inhibits laser-induced choroidal neovascularization and regulates endothelial cell function. Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 22: 425-430 (2006).
Dates to Remember
- March 7: Faculty Research Colloquium, 5 p.m.; Room 109 MEB (Temple) – simulcast to Lecture Hall 1, RMB
- March 12: Retired Faculty Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.; Texas A&M Faculty Club
- March 10-14: CMA Mission Trip to Mexico March 12-16: Spring Break (students only)
- March 15: Residency Match Day, 11 a.m.; Hilton Garden Inn in Temple
- March 15: Dean’s Town Hall Meeting, 4 p.m.; Lecture Hall 1, RMB
- April 10: GSO Symposium April 13: Cadaver Ball, 7 p.m.; Pebble Creek Country Club
- April 14: Health Circus in Navasota, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- April 27: Donor Recognition Event, 3 p.m.; Medical Sciences Courtyard
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
