NewsLink, Aug. 14, 2020
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Coronavirus Information

Back-to-school information

Students are heading back to school, even though it looks a little different during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit Baylor's News webpage to see what our own experts are saying on topics such as back-to-school anxiety, setting a sleep schedule and best practices to stay healthy. Dr. Klotman also addresses back-to-school in his weekly video address to the Baylor community so keep an eye out for his video in your email inbox, online and on social media.

Awards and Recognitions

Bottazzi named among 'Powerful Women'

Dr. Maria Elena Bottazzi, associate dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine, was named one of the 100 Most Powerful Women of 2020 by Forbes Centroamérica. She's spotlighted in the August edition for her career in vaccine development and her work on a COVID-19 vaccine.

Bracey earns award for career contributions

Dr. Arthur Bracey, professor of pathology & immunology, was awarded the President's Award from the Society for the Advancement of Blood Management. The award recognizes those who have made outstanding medical, scientific and/or educational contributions to patient blood management and contributed to the public good in the area of blood safety and the reduction of unnecessary transfusions. Bracey also is chief of clinical pathology at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center and co-chair of the CommonSpirit Health Blood Therapeutics Clinical Council.

Ortega receives Gilliam Fellowship

Jacob Ortega, a graduate student in the Developmental Biology Program, is the second trainee from Baylor to receive the prestigious Howard Hughes Medical Institute 2020 Gilliam Fellowship for Advanced Study, with his adviser, Dr. Swathi Arur of MD Anderson Cancer Center. The Gilliam program seeks to increase the diversity of scientists in academia by supporting future scientific leaders. Adviser-student pairs receive an annual award of $50,000 for up to three years. Advisers participate in a year of mentor training focused on cultural identity and engaging across cultures. Fellows are invited to attend the annual Gilliam meeting and HHMI scientific meetings.

Rosen leads award-winning cancer initiative

The Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center's Office of Outreach and Health Disparities has received a 2020 Grand SCOPY Award from the American College of Gastroenterology for its Light the Night Blue colorectal cancer awareness initiative. The effort was spearheaded by Allison Rosen, community relations and special events associate in the outreach and health disparities office, with support of Dr. Milena Gould, associate professor of gastroenterology, and Dr. Benjamin Musher, associate professor of hematology/oncology, and in collaboration with the American Cancer Society. The award recognizes creativity and commitment to spreading the potentially lifesaving message of the importance of colorectal cancer screening and prevention.

DNP honors

Two members of the Doctor of Nursing Practice – Nurse Anesthesia Program in the School of Health Professions at Baylor have been appointed to committees of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Dr. Rachel Davis, assistant professor and associate director of the DNP program, was appointed to a one-year term as chair of the AANA Education Committee, and Sarah Jazzar, a first-year student in the DNP program, was appointed to a one-year term on the AANA Practice Committee.

Events

Aug. 18: DocTalk on 'back-to-school'

DocTalk resumes via Zoom on Aug. 18 with a discussion on heading back to school – whether in person or remotely – with Dr. Jill Weatherhead, assistant professor of infectious diseases. DocTalk is a series of informal lunchtime talks with Baylor experts, with BCM BeWell Vitality points available. Attend via Zoom on your device or call in to 713-798-9666; Webinar ID: 968 4061 1914, Passcode: 140326.

Aug. 19: Bioethics Grand Rounds on COVID patient care

Bioethics Grand Rounds, sponsored by Baylor's Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy and Houston Methodist, will address "Through the Lookng Glass? Ethical Considerations in Caring for Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic," Wednesday, Aug. 19, 5 - 6 p.m., by Zoom. To register, dial 281-824-3733; Event ID 232013.

Aug. 21: Deadline to submit Datathon proposals

The deadline to submit proposals for BCM's first-ever Datathon is coming up on Aug. 21. This event offers the opportunity to learn how to access data available through the College to address questions that arise in clinical care and research. Proposals should be related to patient care at Baylor Medicine or Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center with a focus on quality improvement and population health. Learn more.

Aug. 25: Blood Drive

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will host an appointment-only blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, in the BCM Gym, 8th floor of garage 6, main Baylor. Participants will receive a free COVID-19 antibody test and Blue Bell ice cream. Please schedule your time online (sponsor code 4402) or contact Lauren Warren. You also can find a mobile donation site near you online.

College News

BCM BeWell medical premium reduction criteria adjustment

Due to the cancellation of the onsite biometric screenings, the criteria has changed to qualify for the health insurance premium reduction through the BCM BeWell program. Remember, if your spouse/domestic partner is enrolled in your Baylor medical benefit plan they must earn their portion of the criteria for participants to receive the premium reduction the following year. View the new criteria and links to additional resources. Questions? Email wellness@bcm.edu.

Summer CVRI newsletter

The Summer 2020 Cardiovascular Research Institute newsletter is available online. The issue includes updates on CVRI research, information on the fall seminar series by Zoom and other virtual events, a recap of recent publications and more. Read it online.

Bike security success!

It's a win for Baylor’s Office of Security! After relocating bicycle racks from outside main Baylor buildings to more secure locations inside the Baylor perimeter (courtyard and area between DeBakey breezeway and the services building) in January, Security is pleased to announce that there has not been a single reported theft! Security worked with the Student Services Committee to implement this change. For those bike commuters who use the racks in the area outside the DeBakey breezeway, you may gain entrance to the building by using the call button on the security entrance door instead of walking around the building to main entrances.

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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