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News for BCM Faculty, Oct. 7, 2021
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College News

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DeBakey Awards: Congratulations to Drs. Benjamin Deneen, Fasiha Kanwal, Nuo Li, Zheng Sun and Hana El Sahly, this year's recipients of the Michael E. DeBakey M.D. Award for Excellence in Research. They were recognized for their outstanding published scientific contributions to their respective clinical and basic science fields. Read about their research or watch the awards ceremony including their presentations. They are pictured above with Dr. Mary Dickinson and Dr. Paul Klotman.

Flu shots: Baylor faculty, staff, students and trainees are required by College policy to get an annual flu vaccine and submit attestation of vaccination by Nov. 30. The Occupational Health Program is offering flu vaccinations at locations around campus. Use the Baylor Flu Vaccine App to schedule your shot and to attest. You may also receive your flu shot from a local pharmacy, clinic or your healthcare provider.

Blood drive: Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will be having a blood drive on Tuesday, Oct. 12, in Rayzor Lounge from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Successful donors receive a free T-Shirt. To donate, please sign up for an appointment. Use sponsor code: 4402. Questions? Email Gabrielle Coats.

Faculty performance assessment: The fiscal year 2020-2021 faculty performance assessment and development planning cycle has started. If you are a full-time or part-time faculty member, your form is available in your Performance Management System inbox: www.bcm.edu/hr-solutions. Faculty Member Self-Review is due by Nov. 8. Instructions on how to access via a non-Baylor system are available on the IT service now portal Questions? A faculty-specific help desk is available facultyevaluation@bcm.edu.

Open Enrollment: The virtual 2022 Open Enrollment period is happening now and will end Oct. 18.  Open Enrollment information currently is available online and was mailed to your permanent mailing address. More info needed? Email ask-insurance@bcm.edu or call 713-798-1500.

  • Register for the virtual 2022 Open Enrollment fair to talk directly with the Human Resource - Benefits office staff and external benefits vendors.
  • Join virtually the 2022 Open Enrollment Meeting to talk directly with the Human Resource - Benefits office staff.
  • Schedule a 30-minute virtual or in-person consultation with a Benefits Representative.

White coat recycling: Today is the last day to take advantage of the annual lab coat and scrubs recycling event, sponsored by the BCM Resource Stewardship and Sustainability Program. Clean and uncontaminated garments will be accepted in the E hallway located between Rayzor Lounge and the courtyard at the main campus of Baylor.

Faculty Kudos

Dr. Karen Rabin, associate professor of pediatrics – hematology and oncology, was selected to receive the 2021 Children's Oncology Group (COG) Young Investigators Committee Award for Excellence in Mentoring. The award was presented at the virtual COG Fall Meeting.

Dr. Krista L. Olson, associate professor in the Bobby R. Alford Department of Otolaryngology -Head and Neck Surgery, was elected to the Nominating Committee for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). Olson is one of only three women currently holding a leadership position in AAFPRS. In her new role she will identify candidates for leadership who reflect diversity of ideas, backgrounds, ethnicities and genders. AAFPRS is the largest organization of Facial Plastic Surgeons in the country.

Dr. Robert McLaughlin, dean emeritus of BCM's School of Health Professions, received the Distinguished Service Award from the Texas Society of Advancement of Health Professions at the society's annual conference, held virtually last week. The award recognizes leadership in health professions at local, state and national level as evidenced by sustained service to the health professions community and to TSAHP.

Dr. Ricky Flores, assistant professor of pediatric oncology, was recognized with the 2021 Outstanding Community Caretaker Award by the Morgan Frazier Cancer Foundation with a special recognition from Mayor Sylvester Turner. He received the award at the 3rd Annual Heart of Gold Celebration on September 25.

Dr. C. Kent Osborne, professor and founding director of the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center and Dudley and Tina Sharp Chair for Cancer Research, was honored at this year's Men of Distinction luncheon. The event benefits medical research and treatment for children and pays tribute to men in the Houston community who have distinguished themselves through leadership.

Dr. Buck Samuel, assistant professor of molecular virology and microbiology, along with collaborators, were awarded a $2 million NASA Thrive In DEep Space (TIDES) grant. The goal of the TIDES initiative is to enable long-duration missions and improve life on Earth through. The grant will test the impact of the gut microbiome on the integrative physiology of genetically diverse invertebrates. Results will provide insights into how space travel impacts an animal host and its microbiome.

Educational Scholarship poster finalists: The Academy of Distinguished Educators' Annual Showcase of Educational Scholarship was held virtually last month. More than 30 posters were presented; four were selected as finalists. View the posters in Voice Thread:

  • Faculty/Staff category: "STEM+M Readiness through an Academic Coaching Ecosystem Model for Metacognition Development: Success, Lessons Learned and Theory of Action" by Dr. Beatriz Perez-Sweeney, Dr. Alana Newell, and Aisha DesLandes; and "Holistic Admissions: Becoming Part of the Whole Picture" by Elissa Love, PA-C, Kathleen Thompson, PA-C, and Elizabeth Elliott.
  • Trainee category: "Implementation of a Virtual Skin Cancer and Melanoma Education Program in Middle and High Schools in Texas" by Dina Zamil, Shangyi Fu, Dr. Emily Powell, Dr. Zeena Nawas and Dr. Ida Orengo; and "Provider Education on Public Benefits for U.S. Citizen Children in Immigrant Families" by Mariana Carretero-Murillo, Callie Fisher, Shayan Bhathena, Adam Floyd, Lorin Crear, Yesenya Gonzalez, Erica Valdez, Maria Vigil-Mallete, Victoria Xie and Dr. Anjali Aggarwal.

Faculty Opportunities

Seminar series: The Cardiovascular Research Institute fall seminar series continues Wednesday, Oct. 13, at noon, with a presentation by Dr. Erin D. Michos, with Johns Hopkins University, titled "Female-specific Factors and their Influence on Cardiovascular Health of Women Throughout the Lifespan." Contact cvri@bcm.edu for a calendar invite and zoom details.

Call for professionalism speakers: Have you or someone you know at Baylor given a great presentation about professionalism? Why not join the Center for Professionalism's Speakers Bureau? The Speakers Bureau is an opportunity to speak about professionalism at Grand Rounds, conferences and workshops. Email the Center for Professionalism or call (713) 798-4553 to learn more.

Virtual BCM 5K: The BCM 5K has been moved to a virtual event, Oct. 15 – 17, allowing participants to complete the 5K anywhere they like while maintaining health and safety during the pandemic. Registration is open until Oct. 17. Proceeds support health and wellness initiatives in the community.

Alex's 5K to support autism: Alex's 5K Run/Walk and Kids' K is Nov. 6 at MacGregor Park. This annual fun run raises money for Autism Speaks, Avondale House and the Westview School in memory of Alex Jamrich, son of Baylor faculty member Milan Jamrich. Register for this family friendly event.


Questions or Comments?

Faculty Senate: Please contact your senator for faculty-related questions or suggestions.

Institutional Policy Committee: Contact the Policy Committee to learn more about College policies and procedures.

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