NewsLink, Aug. 27, 2021
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Coronavirus Information

COVID booster trial: Baylor's Vaccine Research Center is recruiting volunteers for an investigational trial to determine whether a COVID-19 booster vaccine can stimulate a longer-lasting immune response by targeting the COVID-19 spike protein plus other proteins. Participants must have completed their COVID-19 vaccination from Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson at least four months ago. The trial will last between 13-16 months and include both virtual check-ins and in-person visits at main Baylor. Volunteers will be compensated between $600-$825. To participate or ask questions, call 713-798-4912 or email COVID-VAX@bcm.edu during normal business hours.

Awards and Recognitions

Butler receives funding for mental health program

Dr. Ashley Butler, associate professor of pediatrics, has been selected for a Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award for her project to build capacity in Hispanic-serving institutions to conduct research on the mental health impacts of COVID-19. Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) engagement awards are intended to bring more patients, caregivers, clinicians and other healthcare stakeholders into the research process.

Friedman honored by AMA

Dr. Ellen Friedman, professor of otolaryngology and director of the Center for Professionalism, has been selected as the recipient of the 2021 AMA Foundation Award for Leadership in Medical Ethics and Professionalism. Awarded by the American Medical Association Board of Trustees and the AMA Foundation, it honors an individual who is dedicated to the principles of medical ethics and highest standards of medical practice, and who has made an outstanding contribution to medical professionalism.

Hotez earns AAMC award

Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor, has been selected as the recipient of the 2021 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation David E. Rogers Award from the Association of American Medical Colleges. This award honors a medical school faculty member who has made major contributions to improving public health and healthcare. It will be presented Oct. 27 during the AAMC virtual awards recognition program.

Rivera appointed to advisory board

Dr. Victor M. Rivera, distinguished emeritus professor of neurology and founder of the Maxine Messinger MS Comprehensive Care Clinic, was appointed to a five-member international advisory board to assist the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court on planning for new initiatives to support people with MS in the United Arab Emirates. The prevalence of MS has increased substantially in the last years in the Middle East.

Zhang earns DOD grant

Dr. Xiang Zhang, professor of molecular and cellular biology at the Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, and Dr. Han Xiao of Rice University, have been awarded a $2.3 million Department of Defense grant to expand their efforts to halt bone cancer metastasis. The three-year grant is a Level 2 Breast Cancer Research Program Breakthrough Award. Zhang is the William T. Butler, M.D., Endowed Chair for Distinguished Faculty and a McNair Scholar at Baylor.

Events

CVRI Seminar Series: Cardiomyocyte proliferation

The Cardiovascular Research Institute Fall Seminar Series continues with a presentation by Dr. Berhard Kuhn from the University of Pittsburgh, Sept. 1 at noon. He'll speak on the mechanisms of cardiomyocyte proliferation and how these are altered in pediatric patients with heart disease and potential regenerative strategies. Zoom meeting ID: 91636528349; Passcode: 94988.

Preparing for Norton Rose Fulbright Award

The Norton Rose Fulbright Faculty Excellence Award is a criterion-based program that recognizes faculty contributions in four categories: Teaching and Evaluation, Development of Enduring Educational Materials, Educational Leadership and Educational Research. Get an introduction to this award program, including tips and strategies for preparing your educational portfolio, Thursday, Sept. 2, 2 – 3:30 p.m. Register to attend virtually by emailing faced@bcm.edu.

Treating substance abuse disorders in primary care

The Department of Family and Community Medicine hosts Substance Abuse Disorders Prevention and Treatment in Your Practice, Sept. 22, 7:30 – 8:30 a.m., offering the latest in evidence-based prevention and treatment of alcohol, nicotine and opioid use disorders in primary care practice. Register now for this virtual event; CME available.

Sign up for Komen Race

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure will take place Saturday, Oct. 2. The in-person race will begin at Sam Houston Park. You can also participate in a virtual race from your own neighborhood. Interactive events will be available online. Donate to or join the Baylor College of Medicine team here. Find more race details here.

College News

Good luck to our Paralympian!

Good luck to Ray Martin, a student in our PA Program and member of the USA Paralympic track and field team, as he takes the field for his events at the Tokyo Paralympic Games! He will be competing in the 100-, 400- and 1500-meter races in the T52 classification. Watch online.

Deadline looming for compliance training

Reminder that the deadline to complete the required annual compliance training is Monday, Aug. 30. This year's training is on Baylor's commitment to non-retaliation for good-faith reporting. Employees can access the training through SuccessFactors.

Assistant dean of student affairs needed

Applications are being accepted for the position of assistant dean of student affairs in the School of Medicine. The assistant dean of student affairs will be cross trained on all elements of the student affairs operations but will have special competency in and focus on the Learning Community Program. It is a 0.5 FTE position; applications are due by Sept. 7. Learn more and see application guidelines on the Faculty Opportunities page.

Institutional committee openings

Full- and part-time faculty instructor level and above who are in good standing with their departments are encouraged to apply by Sept. 1 to run for election for open positions on three institutional committees: Faculty Appointment and Promotions, Faculty Research and Fellowship Support, and Patent and Copyrights. See more information and application guidelines on the Faculty Opportunities page. A general election will be held Sept. 13-24.

Pilot funding for maternal and child health projects

The Maternal and Infant Environmental Health Research Center (MIEHR) is launching a new initiative to support pilot projects that focus on:

• Structural racism as a driver of maternal, infant and child health disparities.
• The complex relationships between maternal and child health, the environment, and pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, which is responsible for the pandemic that has disproportionately impacted communities of color.
• The effects of disasters, like flooding, fires and rising temperatures, on maternal and child health.

Postdoctoral and clinical fellows, assistant professors, or NIH-designated early-stage investigators are invited to apply. Letters of intent due Sept. 3; full applications due on Oct. 4. Learn more and see guidelines.

Coffee Corner reopens!

The Coffee Corner at main Baylor on the third floor of the Alkek Building has reopened, serving Starbucks coffee and light food items from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. Thanks to the team at Morrison Café for their service to employees and learners throughout the pandemic!

Faculty in the News

Check out all of Baylor's news media mentions in this week's 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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