NewsLink, Jan. 7, 2022 
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College News

Mask distribution

Pictured above, Dr. Cedric Dark, assistant professor of emergency medicine, distributes KN95 masks at the Houston Zoo last month. The masks were donated by the Texas College of Emergency Physicians.

Welcome, DNP students!

Welcome to the 29 new students in Baylor's Doctor of Nursing Practice Program – Nurse Anesthesia! These students have an average of almost four years of experience as a registered nurse and more than three years as an R.N. in an ICU. Learn more about the program.

Genetic counseling program accreditation

The Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling recently granted Baylor's Genetic Counseling Program full accreditation for a period of eight years, the maximum allowed for programs undergoing full accreditation. The program, in Baylor's School of Health Professions, was determined to be in compliance with all standards. The decision is a credit to many faculty, students, alumni and staff who have contributed to the accreditation process.

Associate course director needed: DDASH

The dean of the School of Medicine is seeking applications for an associate course director for the third-year medical school course, Determinants, Disparities and Social Health of Populations, or DDASH. The course will be held on Thursdays, 1:15 – 4 p.m., from March 3 – June 9. Learn more and see application requirements.

HR news

Retirement contribution increase: The College's contribution to the 401(a) retirement account has increased to the original 8% from 7% , which will be reflected on the first paycheck of 2022. The contribution was decreased as a strategy to manage the financial burden of the pandemic and has been gradually returning to the pre-pandemic contribution. Questions? Email ask-retirement@bcm.edu.

Getaway to Good Health Challenge: Beginning Jan. 1, this multiyear challenge will encourage you to keep track of your physical activity, learn about Baylor's international projects and join your colleagues in a journey toward your best self. Registration and details for this challenge can be found here: powerofvitality.com > Community > My Challenges. Questions? Email wellness@bcm.edu.

Events

Mental Health Awareness 101

Learn about common mental health concerns among children, teens and adults and how to address them in a webinar on Jan. 10 from noon – 1 p.m., presented by Baylor faculty in the Department of Family and Community Medicine. Register here or email Ashley Siverand.

Evenings With Genetics on autism

The first Evenings with Genetics of 2022, offered by Baylor and Texas Children's Hospital, is Jan. 11, at 7 p.m., by Zoom. Baylor's Dr. Robert Voigt and Dr. Chaya Murali will discuss the genetics behind autism. Learn more and register.

Awards and Recognitions

Johnson earns diversity fellowship

Dr. Shani Johnson, clinical fellow in pediatric hematology and oncology at Texas Children's Hospital, has been named a Jeanne Marie Lusher Diversity Fellowship recipient by the National Hemophilia Foundation. This fellowship aims to increase diversity among benign hematologists by fostering a career-long interest in inherited bleeding/blood disorders.   

Martin receives grant for heart research

Dr. James Martin, professor and vice chair of molecular physiology and biophysics, received one of 17 grants through Additional Ventures' 2021 Single Ventricle Research Fund. The award, $200,000 per year for up to three years, supports his project, "Hippo/YAP signaling and genetic networks of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)."

Pearce receives Ben Taub award

Dr. Shannon Pearce, assistant professor of medicine – geriatrics and palliative care, was selected as the inaugural recipient of the 2021 Exemplary Interdisciplinary Team Member Award by the Section of General Internal Medicine at Ben Taub Hospital for her years of dedication to complex hospitalized patients.

Shah named as Alliance board chair

Dr. Asim Shah, was elected as chair of the Board of Directors of the Alliance, a nonprofit organization that serves refugees, immigrant and the underserved population. He will serve as chair for a two-year term.

Sutton elected to ACGME board

Dr. V. Reid Sutton, professor of molecular and human genetics, has been elected to a second three-year term on the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Board of Directors. He was also elected chair of the ACGME Committee on Requirements. The ACGME accredits all osteopathic and allopathic medical residencies in the United States as well as many fellowship programs.

Faculty in the News

Don't call it 'flurona,' says Dr. Flor Muñoz in this article in the Houston Chronicle.  See this and Baylor’s other news media mentions in this week's Faculty in the News, and follow BCMHouston_News on Twitter to keep up with our experts in the media. Interested in science news? Read the latest in From the Labs.

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