NewsLink, April 29, 2016
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Awards and Recognitions

Koch listed among influential ophthalmologists

Dr. Douglas Koch, professor of ophthalmology, was included on The Ophthalmologist’s Power List 2016, a list of the top 100 most influential people in the field. Koch was recognized for his work focused on improving the outcomes of cataract surgery and refractive surgery procedures, such as LASIK and PRK, and for treating complex conditions, including cataract and intraocular lens problems and iris repair and replacement.

Poplack honored for career achievements

Dr. David Poplack, professor of pediatrics and director of the Texas Children’s Cancer Center, will receive the Distinguished Career Award at the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology annual meeting in Minneapolis in May. The award is presented annually to a senior physician or other professional who has had a major impact on the hematology/oncology field through research, education, patient care and advocacy.

Events

Mental health walk April 30

The National Alliance on Mental Illness Houston Walk is tomorrow, April 30, at Sam Houston Park. Register online to join the Baylor team or to support this effort. For more information, contact team captain Margi Levin at mlevin@bcm.edu.

DeBakey Research Awards May 3

Five Baylor faculty members were selected to receive the 2016 Michael E. DeBakey, M.D. Excellence in Research Awards, which recognize faculty with the most significant scientific contribution to clinical or basic biomedical research during the past three years. They will be honored at a ceremony Tuesday, May 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. in room M112 on the main Baylor campus, where they also will present their research. This year’s recipients are Dr. Hugo Bellen, Dr. Hashem El-Serag, Dr. Wei Li, Dr. James Martin and Dr. Andreas Tolias. The Baylor community is invited to attend.

DocTalk on foot and ankle issues May 4

The next DocTalk is Wednesday, May 4, at noon in Cullen Auditorium on the main Baylor campus with Dr. Ronald Lepow, a podiatrist and assistant professor of orthopedic surgery, on common foot and ankle issues. DocTalk is a series of informal talks with Baylor faculty members on a variety of health topics, followed by a question-and-answer session. Eligible employees who attend will receive BCM BeWell Vitality points.

Join groups to bike to work May 6!

The Texas Medical Center Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 6. The organization Bike Houston will lead group rides from various neighborhoods into the TMC, with a leader who will demonstrate how to safely commute into work. All rides arrive at 8 a.m., and start times vary by area. A support station with food, drinks and prizes will be set up at 6550 Bertner Ave., outside of Garage 15. Register online.

Evenings with Genetics May 10

Evenings with Genetics will be held Tuesday, May 10, at the Children’s Museum of Houston with Sandra Darilek, a board certified genetic counselor and assistant professor of molecular and human genetics at Baylor, on “Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis: Answers to Top 5 Questions Asked by Parents.” She will focus on this reproductive option for couples who have had a previous child with a severe genetic condition. There also will be a parent guest speaker. Light refreshments at 6:30 p.m.; seminar at 7 p.m. The seminar is free but registration is required online or by calling 832-822-4280.

College News

Support for flood victims

Employees impacted by the recent floods have access to free emotional support through Baylor’s benefit providers. A free, 24-hour helpline is available staffed by specially trained mental health professionals who can help people manage stress and anxiety and provide referrals to community resources. To access the helpline, call 866-342-6892. In addition, emotional-support resources and information are available on the United Behavioral Health website. Use the access code “Baylor.” For questions, email ask-insurance@bcm.edu or call 713-798-1500.

Glove etiquette in public spaces

Gloves are an important piece of personal protective equipment in laboratories and clinics, however, they are not meant to be worn in hallways, stairways, elevators and other commons areas because of the potential for transferring laboratory contaminants from the surface of the gloves to other surfaces such as door knobs, elevator buttons, hand rails, etc. Given this potential for cross-contamination, the Office of Environmental Safety prohibits the wearing of personal protective equipment in public areas and has adopted a policy on this issue. Read the full policy online (BCM Chemical Hygiene Plan; Section 2.2 Health and Hygiene). If you have any questions regarding safety policies and procedures, visit the OES web page.

Match Day shirts

Fourth-year medical students who missed the chance to buy commemorative T-shirts on Match Day can still purchase the shirts in the graphic communications office, suite 224H on the main Baylor campus. The Match Day T-shirts are $15. For more information, call 713-798-4806.

Participants needed for e-cigarette study

Volunteers are needed for a study on electronic cigarettes. Eligible participants must be e-cigarette or cigarette smokers between the ages of 18 and 55. One study visit is required, and participants also must provide a fecal and oral sample and participate in cognitive behavioral therapy. Compensation is provided. For more information, call 713-798-5979 or email cs12@bcm.edu.

Faculty in the News

Dr. Jason Salemi was interviewed by the Houston Chronicle on the increase in the birth defect gastroschisis. See this and Baylor's other news media mentions in this week’s Faculty in the News.

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