Findings
Houston, Texas
Volume 5, Issue 1
January 2007

Briefs

Nationally recognized stroke expert to lead BCM neurology

Dennis Landis, M.D., a nationally recognized leader in stroke and neurological disorders, has been named chair of the Department of Neurology at Baylor College of Medicine after a nationwide search.

"Dr. Landis is an outstanding leader in the field of neurology, recognized as a clinician, researcher and educator," said Peter G. Traber, M.D., president and CEO of BCM. "He will provide valuable direction for this critical area of patient care and research."

Landis, a stroke specialist, was previously the Gilbert W. Humphrey Professor of Neurology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. He served as chair of the department from 1995 until July 1 of this year. Landis succeeds James Killian, M.D., who had served as interim chair of neurology since 2004.

With more than 100 published research articles, Landis is well known for his work in stroke and neurological disorders. He received the 2006 Pacesetter Award from the American Stroke Association for Excellence in Stroke Research and Treatment. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School in 1971. His post-graduate training was at the University of California at San Diego, the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital.

New book covers mentalizing in mental health treatment

The concept of mentalizing plays an important role in the treatment of psychiatric illness and is crucial to intrapersonal relationships, according to the recently released Handbook of Mentalization-Based Treatment, published by the United Kingdom office of John Wiley & Sons Inc.

Book editors Jon Allen, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and behavioral medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and Peter Fonagy, Ph.D., an adjunct professor of psychiatry and behavior medicine at BCM, bring together an international group of experts to provide information on mentalization, development of mentalizing skills, and how mentalizing can be used in treatment.

The editors, psychologists and researchers for The Menninger Clinic in Houston, define mentalizing as "being mindful of what others are thinking and feeling as well as being mindful of your own thoughts and feelings." Failing to mentalize properly can contribute to serious problems in relationships. Psychiatric disorders such as depression and substance abuse also interfere with mentalizing.

More information on mentalizing is available on Menninger's Web site in the Resources section at http://www.menningerclinic.com/resources/Mentalizingallen.htm. An order form for the book is also available in the Resources section under Professional Papers and Books at http://www.menningerclinic.com/resources/staff-articles.

BCM names vice president of strategic capital projects

Robert McCleskey is Baylor College of Medicine's new vice president of strategic capital projects, charged with overseeing the College's major building projects.

"Bob McCleskey has significant experience in managing complex building projects as well as an impressive background in architecture and engineering," said Peter G. Traber, M.D., president and CEO of BCM. "He is the ideal leader for this new strategy area for Baylor."

McCleskey has 30 years experience in all phases of project management, design and construction. He has served as project director for Fluor, an international engineering and construction firm, since 1980. For the past two years he has been a program manager for Fluor, overseeing capital projects at BCM.

The projects at BCM he has advised on include the Margaret M. Alkek Building for Biomedical Research and the Michael E. DeBakey Library and Museum, as well as construction and renovation projects inside the college.

McCleskey has a bachelor of arts in pre-architecture and a master's of architecture from Clemson University.