NewsLink, Feb. 1, 2019
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Awards and Recognitions

Hodges' research supported by cancer foundation

Dr. H. Courtney Hodges, assistant professor of molecular and cellular biology, received the Spirit of Jimmy Award from the Jimmy V Foundation for his research to identify genes involved in neuroblastoma, with the aim of improving treatment options. The award is funded by the 2018 Vitale Gala in honor of Chris Berman. The foundation was founded by ESPN and legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano, who died of cancer at age 46.

Kirk earns PA certification in pediatrics

Susan Kirk, a physician assistant at Baylor and Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, has been nationally recognized for earning a specialty credential called a Certificate of Added Qualifications from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Kirk received the certificate in pediatrics by meeting licensure, education and experience requirements and then passing a national exam in the specialty. She is one of 13 certified PAs in Texas to earn a CAQ in Pediatrics since the program's inception in 2014.

Researchers recognized for chronic pain management tool

A team of researchers from Baylor and the Houston VA received the 2018 Excellence in Educational Scholarship Award from the South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for the "Pocket Guide for Clinicians for Management of Chronic Pain." Created as a Veterans Affairs resource in response to the opioid crisis, this tool helps VA and non-VA clinicians and trainees gain a basic understanding of pain and facilitate early assessment and interventions for patients. Dr. Aruna Gottumukkala, assistant professor in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, led the project. View or download the guide.

Events

Feb. 7: OncLive State of the Science Summit

OncLive: State of the Science Summit will offer information on gastrointestinal malignancies, geared toward oncologists, researchers and other health professionals involved in the treatment of patients with these types of cancer, Feb. 7, 5 – 9 p.m., DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Houston - 6 E Greenway Plaza, Houston, TX 77046. Co-presented by Baylor oncologist Dr. Benjamin Musher and sponsored in part by the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center; register online.

Clinical improvement course accepting applications

BCM's Institute for Continuing Professional Development for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety is now accepting applications for its Spring 2019 Leading Healthcare Improvement Advanced Training Course. For faculty and staff, this course is aimed at developing leaders to guide clinical improvements. Find details online, and apply by Feb. 10.

Feb. 11: Brendan Lee talks precision medicine

Baylor's Precision Medicine Grand Rounds series continues on Feb. 11, noon to 1 p.m., Denton A. Cooley Auditorium at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center, 6770 Bertner Ave., with a talk by Dr. Brendan Lee on "Multi-Omic Approach to Undiagnosed Diseases." Lee is professor and chair of the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics.

Feb. 20 – 21: HR training course

Register online for Managing to the Mission, a two-day training class for those who are in a management role or on a career track to become a manager. Topics will include leadership assessment, team building, communication skills, effective meeting presentations, delegation, best practices at BCM and an overview of key policies. The next session is Feb. 20 - 21. For more information, email Tomeka Johnson.

College News

Welcome Dr. Kenneth Liao

Dr. Kenneth Liao has joined Baylor College of Medicine as chief of the division of cardiothoracic transplantation and circulatory support in the Department of Surgery. He specializes in minimally invasive valve repair and robotic coronary bypass surgery in addition to heart transplantation. Learn more about Dr. Liao and view his contact information in his online bio.

Alpha Omega Alpha noms open

The Baylor College of Medicine Chapter of Alpha Omega Alpha is pleased to announce a call for nominations for faculty and alumni inductees into AΩA. A lifelong honor, membership in the society confers recognition for a physician's dedication to the profession and art of healing. The nomination period is open through 11:59 p.m. Feb. 11; find nomination information online. Please direct any questions to Dr. Daniel Chelius, BCM AΩA chapter councilor and assistant professor of otolaryngology.

BeWell news

-The Institution for Spirituality, BCM Life and BCM BeWell are partnering to host "Maintaining Mindfulness: An Oasis in Stressful Times," a discussion on ways to reduce stress and stay focused, Wednesday, Feb. 6, at noon in Kleberg Auditorium at main Baylor; BCM BeWell points available for benefits-eligible employees.
- An email from BCM BeWell earlier this week listed incorrect information regarding medical premium discounts for qualifying employees. To clarify, employees who are enrolled in individual coverage will need to earn 15,000 BCM BeWell Vitality points to receive 20 percent off their employee-only medical premiums in 2020. Employees who have a spouse or domestic partner enrolled in a BCM medical plan option will need to earn 20,000 BCM BeWell Vitality points to receive 10 percent off their employee and spouse/domestic partner medical premiums in 2020. More information online; email wellness@bcm.edu with questions.

Faculty in the News

Read Baylor's news media mentions 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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