Findings
Houston, Texas
Volume 7, Issue 2
February 2009

News briefs

BCM, City of Houston collaborate to beat childhood obesity

A nearly $1.49 million grant will allow William Wong, Ph.D., professor of pediatrics – nutrition at the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center at BCM and Texas Children's Hospital, and other researchers to evaluate the effectiveness of Healthy Kids – Houston, a program with the goal of preventing pediatric obesity.

The community-based effort tackles pediatric obesity in high-risk populations by increasing physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices in a safe and accessible environment.

The Human Nutrition and Obesity Program grant was awarded to Baylor College of Medicine by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Research Institute.

The program is a partnership between BCM, Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority and Texas Children’s Hospital, including Texas Children’s Pediatric Associates. For more information or to participate in the program, call Mercedes Alejandro at 713-798-7007.

Heslop recognized for contributions to cancer

Helen Heslop, M.D, professor of pediatrics – hematology/oncology at BCM, was the 2008 recipient of the Dr. Kenneth B. McCredie Medical Honoree Award presented by the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

The award is given in recognition of significant and substantial contributions to the field of blood-related cancers. Heslop is the lead investigator of a multi-million dollar Specialized Center of Research award that is the society’s premier research initiative.

Lee honored as outstanding young investigator

Brendan Lee, M.D., Ph.D., professor of molecular and human genetics, was one of three Texas scientists who received the 2009 Edith and Peter O'Donnell Award at the annual meeting of The Academy of Medicine, Engineering and Science of Texas in January.

Lee, who is also director of the Skeletal Dysplasia Clinic at Texas Children's Hospital, was honored for his research on human skeletal abnormalities and bone development. Named for philanthropists Edith and Peter O'Donnell, supporters of TAMEST, these awards recognize outstanding achievements by young investigators. Each recipient receives a $25,000 award funded by a permanent endowment.

DeBakey VA recognized by American Nurse Credentialing Center

The American Nurses Credentialing Center, the nation's leading nursing credentialing organization, granted its Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Services to the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The DeBakey VA is only the second VA medical center in the nation to achieve this recognition.

Magnet is the highest honor a health care organization can receive for nursing services. The Magnet program was developed to recognize health care organizations that provide the best in quality patient care and uphold excellence in professional nursing practice.