NewsLink, Dec. 9, 2016
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Awards and Recognitions

Heczey receives grant for pediatric solid tumor research

Dr. Andras Heczey, assistant professor of pediatric oncology and director of the Liver Tumor Program at Texas Children's Cancer Center, received a $428,000 grant from Cookies for Kids' Cancer Foundation for his proposed Phase 1 clinical study on CAR T cell therapy for children with solid tumors, including hepatoblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, Wilms tumor, yolk sac tumors and rhabdoid tumors.

Singh and colleagues earn VA award

Dr. Hardeep Singh, associate professor of medicine, and his Houston VA Patient Safety Center team are the recipients of the 2016 VA Health Services Research and Development Health System Impact Award for their research aimed at reducing missed and delayed diagnoses. The award honors VA-funded research that has directly and significantly impacted clinical practice or policy within the VA healthcare system. Singh also is chief of the Health Policy, Quality and Informatics Program at the Houston VA Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety. Read more about the award.

Zoghbi earns Breakthrough Prize

Dr. Huda Zoghbi was one of 12 recipients of a Breakthrough Prize at a ceremony in Silicon Valley Dec. 4. She was awarded in the life sciences for discoveries of the genetic causes and biochemical mechanisms of spinocerebellar ataxia and Rett syndrome, findings that have provided insight into the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative and neurological diseases. Zoghbi is a professor in the Departments of Pediatrics, Molecular and Human Genetics, Neurology and Neuroscience at Baylor, investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and director of the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital. Read more on Baylor's blog.

Events

Bone marrow drive Dec. 12

Be the Match and the BCM Postdoctoral Association will host a marrow donor registry drive Monday, Dec. 12, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the TMC Commons. Come sign up and do a cheek swab to see if you can save the life of a blood cancer patient. Nearly 80 percent of donations are from blood stem cells – a procedure similar to donating plasma. All donor expenses are covered. Read an FAQ or drop by on Dec. 12!

Taste of the NFL preview party Dec. 18

The Texas Medical Center, a sponsor of Super Bowl LI, will host a Taste of the NFL preview party on Sunday, Dec. 18, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Third Coast, 6550 Bertner Ave., during the Texans vs. Jaguars game. The event will include a cook-off between Café Annie chef Robert Del Grande, representing the Texans, and Restaurant Orsay's Michael McKinney, representing the Jags. Tickets are $35 and include brunch and mimosas. Be sure to wear your team gear! Tickets can be purchased online.

Pre-register for symposium honoring Dr. Janet Butel

"Pushing the Boundaries of Science: Celebrating the Remarkable Career of Dr. Janet Butel," a symposium honoring Butel as she steps down as chair of the Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, will be held Friday, Jan. 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Cullen Auditorium with a reception following in Rayzor Lounge. The symposium will feature scientific speakers from Baylor, Texas Children's Hospital and beyond. Register online by Friday, Dec. 16, for the free symposium. In addition, the Janet S. Butel, Ph.D., Endowment Initiative fund has been established to honor her contributions to biomedical research and dedication to the pursuit of knowledge. The endowment will be used to create a benefit for the department in a high impact manner, with the goal being a named lectureship. Gifts may be made online or contact Ashley McKenney in the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations at ashley.mckenney@bcm.edu or 713-798-3469.

RSVP for Jan. 19 You FIRST celebration

The You FIRST Program invites faculty and staff to "Cruise into the New Year" at a casino-themed celebration Thursday, Jan. 19, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Bayou City Event Center, 9401 Knight Road. The event will include a dinner buffet, grand prize of a cruise for two on Carnival Cruise Lines and other prizes, and the opportunity to interact with colleagues. RSVP online by Friday, Jan. 13. Please note this event is for employees only.

College News

Holiday shuttle schedule

Due to anticipated low ridership, the BCM Shuttle Service will be operating on an abbreviated schedule on Friday, Dec. 23. Only the Red Shuttle Route will be in operation, starting at main Baylor at 6:45 a.m. and making its final stop at main Baylor at 4 p.m. Its route will be main Baylor – Baylor Clinic – Jamail Specialty Care Center – Baylor Medical Center – VA – McGovern. For questions, contact Jemi Purcell at 713-798-5747.

Policy updates

Several new and revised policies were recently published in the College's Policy and Procedures Manual. They cover medical education, human resources, patient rights and compliance issues. For more information, please see the summary of policy updates. All College policies may be found in the Policy and Procedures Manual.

Year-end updates regarding the 403(b) plan

Please take time to review the updates for the Baylor College of Medicine Tax Deferred Investment Plan, or 403(b) plan, for the 2017 plan year. If you wish to contribute the maximum 403(b) plan amount in 2017 in 26 payments, you may go online from Dec. 11-24 to make changes. Any changes made during this time will be reflected on the paycheck you will receive on Jan. 13.

Faculty in the News

Dr. Huda Zoghbi's selection as a Breakthrough Prize recipient was featured widely in the news, including in the New York Times, Houston Chronicle and Washington Post. Read Baylor's news media mentions in this week's Faculty in the News. Interested in science news? Read the latest in From the Labs.

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