NewsLink, May 29, 2015
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Awards and Recognitions

Diaz-Marchan elected radiology fellow

Dr. Pedro Diaz-Marchan, associate professor of radiology, was elected a fellow of the American College of Radiology at the organization’s annual meeting, held May 14-19 in Washington, D.C. Fellows demonstrate a history of service to the ACR, organized radiology, teaching or research. Of approximately 40,000 board-certified radiologists, only about 100 are elected to fellowship annually.

Jankovic to lead neurotoxin association

Dr. Joseph Jankovic, professor of neurology and Distinguished Chair in Movement Disorders, was elected president of the International Neurotoxin Association last month. The INA is an international, not-for-profit, scientific society dedicated to advancing scientific research, supporting education and fostering understanding about botulinum and other toxins. The primary mission of INA is to provide a forum for the exchange of information and ideas among scientists, clinicians and other allied health professionals about the science and therapeutic use of neurotoxins. Jankovic is now heading the team that will organize TOXINS2017, an international conference on the topic.

Wolf recognized by American Academy of Dermatology

Dr. John Wolf, professor and chair of dermatology, was awarded a Presidential Citation at the American Academy of Dermatology meeting in San Francisco. He was recognized for 21 years of service as an interviewing editor for Dialogues in Dermatology. Earlier, Wolf received a Presidential Citation for helping to develop a touring museum exhibit on skin; this was done jointly with the Houston Health Museum, where he served as a board member.

Med student Zaidi finalist in medicine challenge

Dr. Hashim Zaidi, who graduated earlier this week, is one of three finalists in the Joy of Medicine Challenge, an online competition created to encourage U.S. physicians and medical students to submit their ideas for relieving the regulatory and business-related burdens that negatively impact meaningful interaction between physicians and their patients. His proposal, “Dealing With Death: A Mechanism to Reduce Costs and Improve Care,” can be read online.

College News

Flood mental health assistance

United Healthcare is offering a free emotional support help line for BCM employees impacted by the local floods. This helpline will provide those affected access to specially trained mental health specialists. UHC’s public toll-free help line number, 866-342-6892, will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for as long as necessary. Callers may also receive referrals to community resources to help them with specific concerns, including financial and legal matters. This service is free of charge. Please contact the Benefits Office by emailing ask-insurance@bcm.edu or calling 713-798-1500 for questions.

Student Services Committee accepting nominations

The Student Services Committee, formerly the Student Affairs Committee, is now accepting nominations for faculty membership. With support from the Office of the Provost, this committee engages student and faculty leaders to address student life domains, including health and wellness, safety, registration and records, diversity and inclusion, financial aid, culture and climate, academic support and facilities. Meetings are held quarterly in the evening. The commitment is a three-year position starting July 1, 2015. Nominations must include a personal statement summarizing personal goals related to one or more of the committee domains and a CV. Send electronic nomination submissions to the committee co-chairs by June 10: Dr. A. Hafeez Diwan, ahdiwan@bcm.edu; Dr. Frederick Pereira, fpereira@bcm.edu; or Ashley Mullen, ahmullen@bcm.edu.

Biometric screening presentations

The BCM BeWell program will offer several presentations during the first week of June at various campus locations that will focus on the results of the BCM BeWell biometric screening and what the results mean to you. This interactive group presentation given by Jesse Gavin, BCM wellness coordinator, will review the different tests performed in this year’s screening and simple steps you can take to increase your daily health and vitality. By attending, you will receive 100 points in the wellness portal. Register online.

Financial IQ winners

Last month TIAA-CREF and Human Resources – Retirement hosted the Financial IQ Challenge, an online daily financial quiz. Congratulations to the TIAA-CREF Financial IQ Challenge winners who have received an iPad mini: Dawn Katherine Thomas, senior administrative assistant in the Duncan Cancer Center; Torie Thibodeaux, instructor in the department of surgery; and Adam Hollingsworth, scheduling specialist in patient business services.

You FIRST News

Management training open

Human Resources will host “Managing to the Mission” classes in June. The course is designed for those in supervisory or management roles. The two-day program will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Topics will include leadership assessment, teambuilding, communication skills, effective meeting presentations, delegation, best practices at BCM and an overview of key policies. Sign up through the Employee Class registration link. For more information, contact Michelle Rose or Tomeka Stewart at YouFIRST@bcm.edu.

Faculty in the News

Dr. Yochai Birnbaum and sons Drs. Itamar Birnbaum, a Baylor resident, and Dr. Gilad Birnbaum, a recent Baylor graduate and soon-to-be resident, were interviewed by Houston Matters. See this and Baylor's other news media mentions in this week’s Faculty in the News.

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