NewsLink, April 24, 2020
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Coronavirus Information

'Called to Care'

Members of the Baylor community, including President and CEO Dr. Paul Klotman, have shared how they were 'Called to Care' during the COVID-19 pandemic. View more photos, and also view the COVID-19 Diaries in BCM Family for more on how the Baylor community is responding.

April 29: DocTalk on COVID-19 and the elderly

DocTalk by Zoom continues Wednesday, April 29, at noon with Dr. Angela Catic, who will discuss how to safely support older adults during this time, mitigate the impacts of social isolation and support them in playing an active role in virus response. Register to receive the Zoom information and send questions. BCM BeWell Vitality points available. Questions? Email wellness@bcm.edu.

Participants needed for COVID-19 antibody test

Volunteers are needed to participate in a study to develop a COVID-19 antibody test, led by Dr. Pedro Piedra, professor of molecular virology and microbiology and of pediatrics. This is a test to detect whether a person has been infected with the virus by measuring antibody response in blood. Qualified participants must have had a positive PCR test result for SARS-CoV-2 more than four weeks ago. Physicians may refer qualified patients and individuals can enroll by calling 713-798-7467 or 713-798-8732 or emailing santarca@bcm.edu or nbond@bcm.edu.

More mental health resources

• Baylor's new Mental Health and Wellness Program provides options to get the support you need to deal with stress and anxiety of the COVID-19 pandemic. These confidential services include access to a self-guided behavioral therapy app, support groups, one-on-one counseling sessions and more, some of which are free of charge. Call 713-798-0292 for more information. Learn more online.
  
• Now you can reassess your well-being on a weekly basis with the Well-Being Index, a brief online self-assessment that provides immediate individualized feedback, tools and national/local resources. Find your specific invitation code based on your role at the College in the April 3 Newslink, then log in to the Well-Being Index.

Donation drives

• Baylor medical students are collecting donations of PPE and supplies, including masks, face shields, disinfectant wipes and more. Complete this form to initiate a donation. A student volunteer will follow up with more details.
  
• Medical students in the H.O.M.E.S. Clinic are collecting donations for Houston's homeless population during the COVID pandemic. Items needed include basic hygiene products, water, socks, baby wipes and other necessities, as well as monetary donations. Find more information on donating.

HR COVID-19 updates: Legal resources

Employees and students who may be experiencing legal problems related to the COVID-19 pandemic can access the LegalEASE Emergency Financial Hardship Package at no cost through 2020. This includes access to resources and an online directory of network attorneys and guidance on multiple types of law. Employees receive an initial 30-minute consultation with an attorney at no cost and a 15% discount on the hourly rate should the attorney be retained for services. Visit the website to get started or call 1-800-562-2929 to speak to a representative. Questions? Email ask-worklife@bcm.edu.

Awards and Recognitions

Nagamani named to OI council

Dr. Sandesh Nagamani, associate professor of molecular and human genetics and internal medicine, has been selected as the newest member of the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation's Medical Advisory Council. His research focuses on evaluating new and potential therapies for various genetic disorders. He will advise the foundation in their mission to improve the quality of life for people affected by OI.

Shah named to City of Houston task force

Dr. Asim Shah was invited by Mayor Sylvester Turner to be a member of the City of Houston's Health Equity Response Task Force. This task force will implement and accelerate the city's rapid response to provide information, supplies and services to vulnerable members of the community most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Shah is executive vice chair of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Baylor and chief of psychiatry at Ben Taub Hospital.

Faculty mentor recognition

First-year medical students have launched a new initiative to recognize mentors, called the Professional Educator Appreciation and Recognition, or PEAR, Awards. Students can nominate preclinical faculty, attending physicians, residents, PAs, nurses and others who have challenged them, expanded their knowledge or imparted a significant lesson during their training. Submissions are shared with the honoree and his or her department chair. Read about faculty who have been recognized so far. Students can submit nominations online.

Events

Today: Medicine's House Staff Research Symposium

Today is the last day to drop in to the virtual Department of Medicine House Staff Research Symposium. Poster presentations are available to view online in five categories, from basic science research to quality improvement and patient safety projects. Winners will be selected from each category. Check out the important and innovative work being done by our resident physicians!

April 28: HR virtual open house

Human Resources will host a virtual open house on Tuesday, April 28 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Representatives from various HR teams and external vendors will be available to answer questions and provide information; see schedule below. Register here and the ZOOM information will be sent on Monday, April 27. Questions? Email wellness@bcm.edu.

• BCM BeWell: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  
• Benefits: 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
• Retirement: 10a.m. – 11a.m.
• Ayco Financial Counseling: 1p.m. – 2 p.m.

College News

LCME monthly newsletter

The School of Medicine's April LCME Newsletter features recent subcommittee work and an overview of Element 11.5 – Confidentiality of Student Educational Records and Element 11.6 – Student Access to Educational Records. The newsletter contains pertinent policies and procedures. Read the April newsletter.

Faculty in the News

Baylor experts continue to lead the way in keeping the public informed about COVID-19 through the media. Read the coverage in Faculty in the News, and follow BCMHouston_News on Twitter to keep up with our experts in the media. Interested in science news? Read the latest in From the Labs.

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