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Faculty Commons, Jan. 25 - 31, 2018
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College News

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Race for the Cure: Come out and cheer for the Baylor College of Medicine team, captained by soccer star Carli Lloyd, at Komen Houston Race for the Cure, 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, in Sam Houston Park. Prove that you are “More Than Pink” by making a gift to support breast cancer education, research and advocacy. With your help, Komen funds projects at the College and throughout the community. Donate online.

 

Alumni Awards Winners: Join the Alumni Association in celebrating the College’s alumni and faculty for excellence in achievement and service, including 2018 honorees Dr. Carol Baker ’68, Dr. Joseph Coselli ’82, Dr. Jennifer E. Dietrich (Res.) ’04, Elizabeth Elliott P.A.-C ’06, Dr. Ellen M. Friedman, Dr. Sean McGuire ’03 and Dr. James L. Phillips. The Alumni Awards and Recognition Dinner kicks off Reunion Weekend at 6 p.m. May 3 at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston. Online registration is now open.

 

Faculty Kudos

imageDr. Mark Biscone recently joined Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center as director of research, where he will be the main point of contact for all clinical research conducted at BSLMC and serve as a primary liaison for research partnerships with the Texas Heart Institute and the College. He previously has worked for the Texas Hospital Association, Northeast Laboratories and several institutions in the Texas Medical Center.

imageDr. Stewart Bushong, professor of radiology, recently was the keynote speaker and honoree at the 48th annual national convention of the Philippine Association of Radiologic Technologists in Baguio City, Philippines. Following his speech, Bushong signed copies of his textbook, “Radiologic Science for Technologists,” widely used throughout the Philippines.

 

imageDr. Thomas Giordano, associate professor of medicine, has been appointed chief of the section of infectious disease in the Department of Medicine. Giordano’s work has focused on improving care delivery and adherence to treatment for people with HIV

 

imageDr. Jill Hunter, professor of radiology, is featured in this week’s Meet Your Senator article on the faculty intranet portal. She represents the interests of the faculty at large on the Senate.



imageDr. Tina Shah, assistant professor of medicine – cardiology, was selected to join the American College of Cardiology Leadership Academy. This prestigious two-year leadership development program is designed to provide a broad understanding of leadership styles and skills. The curriculum is developed with the needs of early career members in mind and provides an awareness of concepts and techniques relevant to leading effectively within one's institution and within the ACC.

 

imageDr. Lakshmi Srivaths, associate professor of pediatrics – hematology, has been inducted into the Medical Advisory Council for the Foundation for Women and Girls with Blood Disorders. In this role she will support the Foundation's goals by educating medical providers within and outside their specialties, enhancing the clinical and public health knowledge base and advancing research in the area of blood disorders that affect women and girls.


College Events

Interprofessional Teamwork: The first Team Discovery of 2018, “Interprofessionalism: There is an ‘I’ in Team,” is set for 3:30 to 5 p.m. today, Jan. 25, in Room M423 (note room change), main Baylor. Team Discovery sessions are expert-led panel discussions focused on the skills faculty, students, trainees and staff need to work in teams. A full schedule and more details are available on the Team Launch website. Join the panelists and Team Launch leadership for a light reception following the discussion.


HPA Symposium: Dr. Rayne Rouce, instructor in the Center for Cell & Gene Therapy and a faculty senator, is the keynote speaker at the 18th Annual HPA Symposium, where students from the Houston Premedical Academy, a collaboration of the DeBakey High School for Health Professions, the University of Houston and Baylor, present their research findings. Ths symposium will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, in Cullen Auditorium, main Baylor. Please contact Laura Perry in the Office of Institutional Diversity, Inclusion & Equity to volunteer as a judge for poster or oral presentations.


Education Grand Rounds: The School of Allied Health Sciences and the Office of Faculty Development present “Essentials of Effective Assessment & Evaluation” with Dr. Alana Newell, instructor in the Center for Educational Outreach, at noon Wednesday, Jan. 31, in Kleberg Auditorium, main Baylor. For more information, please contact Dr. Aimee K. Gardner, assistant dean.


Book and Author Dinner: The Friends of the Texas Medical Center Library host their annual book and author fundraiser at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, at the TMC Library. Dr. Nancy Beck, author of “Texas, Her Texas: The Life and Times of Frances Goff,” is the guest speaker. Goff was influential in the establishment of MD Anderson Cancer Center. Contact Sarah Keith for more information.


Medical Ethics Conversation: "Public Policy or Police State? The appropriate reach of government in health interventions” is the next topic in the series that explores dilemmas in medical ethics. Dr. Stephanie Morain, assistant professor in the Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, leads the discussion from noon to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at Grappino di Nino, 2817 W. Dallas Street. Please register online.


DocTalk: Dr. Alireza Nazeri, assistant professor of medicine - cardiology, discusses "Stroke Risk in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation" at noon Feb. 8 in Cullen Auditorium, main Baylor. Sign in within the first 15 minutes to receive 100 BCM BeWell Vitality points.


Hermann Park Improvements: The park’s new master plan calls for transforming the corner of Fannin and Cambridge streets into a “welcoming civic landscape with added park services and play areas.” Drop by the corner from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 10 to learn about the Hermann Park Conservancy’s plans for the "Family Commons" and provide feedback on what you would like to see in this area of the park next to the TMC.


Faculty Opportunities

SAHS Course Director: The School of Allied Health Sciences is seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic faculty member to serve as course director for cultural competency. The course introduces students to issues pertaining to the diversity and uniqueness of populations to be encountered as healthcare practitioners. For more information, please see Faculty Opportunities. Applications are due by Feb. 18.


AAMC Award Nominations: The Association of American Medical Colleges sponsors national awards that recognize the talent and contributions of faculty members who advance innovation in medical education, cutting-edge patient care, groundbreaking research and outstanding community service. Awardees receive prizes and are honored at the AAMC's annual meeting. The Office of Faculty Development is helping to coordinate nominations from the Baylor community. Please email Deborah Fernandez if you plan to nominate a colleague for one of the following awards with Friday, Jan 26, deadlines:

-Abraham Flexner Award for Distinguished Service to Medical Education: This highest honor in academic medicine is presented to an individual for sustained contributions to American medical education.

-Award for Distinguished Research in the Biomedical Sciences: The award recognizes a faculty member for exceptional research discoveries.

-David E. Rogers Award: Supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the award honors a medical school faculty member who has made major contributions to improving the health and healthcare of the American people.

Faculty Resources

Portfolio Preparation: Are you working on your Norton Rose Fulbright Faculty Excellence Award portfolio? Pick up tips on how best to demonstrate your sustained exemplary educational contributions to the College at a workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 9 in Room N317, main Baylor. RSVP at faced@bcm.edu.


Summer Interns: The unpaid summer internship program is geared to rising high school seniors and college and graduate students to enhance their personal development and understanding of the College and its affiliates; no wet lab activity is allowed. Interested departments, centers and offices should establish goals that meet their own needs and the interests of the intern. If you would like to host an intern from June 4 through Aug. 10, please email Human Resources.


Rodeo Tickets: General admission tickets to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, barbecue contest tickets and half-price carnival packs can be purchased through 5 p.m. Feb. 23 in the Office of Communications, Room 176B, main Baylor. Concert tickets are not available. Please bring cash or a check payable to Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. For more information, email Rudy Lopez or call Communications at 713-798-4710.


Compliance Podcasts: Looking for some quick information on billing compliance? The Office of Compliance now offers short informational recordings on various billing topics from chief complaint to how to obtain a history when a patient can't communicate and more. The podcasts can be found on the intranet. New topics will be added monthly. Email Christina Olson, manager of compliance training, with your suggestions.


Stalking Awareness: The College defines stalking as engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that causes that person (or a member of that person's family or household) to fear for his or her safety or the safety of others. Stalking is unpredictable, dangerous and a crime in all 50 states. If you are being stalked, trust your instincts, take threats seriously, develop a safety plan and tell those around you. Learn more on the Baylor Title IX website. Need help? Contact the BCM Security Office at 713-798-3000 or Title IX coordinator Mikiba Morehead at 713-798-8137.


For a Good Cause

Spin for Gyn: Help raise funds for BCM Woman to Woman gynecologic cancer support program by cycling for a cure from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at DEFINE body & mind, 2518 Bissonnet. Participants will enjoy a spin cycling class led by trainers, plus food, music and door prizes. Register or donate online.


BP MS 150: Join Team BCM for the BP MS 150 bike ride April 28 – 29 as a rider or a volunteer. Participants will receive a free team jersey, catered lunches, massages and more! Riders should complete the internal cycling team registration and register for the BP MS 150 using the password: BCM. To volunteer, complete the volunteer registration. For those interested in joining as a team captain or with questions, email wellness@bcm.edu.

Attention Clinicians: See Clinical Calendar

Clinical Symposia

Immunotherapy Summit: The Cancer Research Institute Immunotherapy Patient Summit is set for 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, main Baylor. The free, half-day event for patients, caregivers and advocates features DLDCCC members Dr. Carlos Ramos, associate professor in the Center for Cell & Gene Therapy, Dr. Jun Zhang, assistant professor in medicine - hematology & oncology, and Dr. Andrew Sikora, associate professor of otolaryngology – head & neck surgery, discussing clinical trials and the latest research. Register online.


Cognitive Bias: Dr. Ellis Arjmand, Bobby Alford Endowed Chair in Pediatric Otolaryngology, leads “Improving Health Care: Cognitive Bias & The Science of Decision Making,” 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Feb. 10 at Third Coast, 6550 Bertner. CME credits are available for this course on the psychology of decision making and how to make smarter decisions in the presence of uncertainty. Register online.


INSTINCT ThinkTank: Join the Department of Surgery and Joshua Mecca, president and founder of M&S Biotics, LLC., in a collaborative discussion on “Preventing Surgical Errors” at 3 p.m. Feb. 15 in the Jaworski Classroom, Room 187A, main Baylor.


Esophageal Diseases: Dr. Stuart Spechler, chief of gastroenterology and co-director of the Center for Esophageal Diseases at Baylor University Medical Center, and Dr. James Luketich, chief of thoracic and foregut surgery at UPMC Pittsburgh, are keynote speakers at “Current Medical and Surgical Management of Esophageal Diseases,” sponsored by the College and Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center Feb. 22 – 24 at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston. CME credit is available. Register online by Feb. 16 for best pricing.


Neuromuscular Disorders: The 4th Annual Neuromuscular Disorders Seminar: Diagnostic Modalities is scheduled for April 7 at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center McNair Campus. Dr. Aziz Shaibani, clinical professor of medicine, is the course director for this CME activity. The deadline to register online is April 1


Call for Nominations

Alpha Omega Alpha: The Baylor College of Medicine Chapter of Alpha Omega Alpha is pleased to announce a call for nominations for faculty, alumni, resident and fellow 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 10 p.m. Feb. 5, with nomination information available online. Please direct any questions to Dr. Daniel Chelius, BCM AΩA chapter councilor and assistant professor of otolaryngology.


Attention Researchers: See Research Calendar

Research Seminar

Cancer Joint Symposium Drug discovery and target identification and validation are the topics of the 12th Annual Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center – MD Anderson Cancer Center Joint Symposium, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, in Kleberg Auditorium, main Baylor.


Call for Abstracts

Global Health Conference: Consider submitting an abstract for the 2018 GLOCL Conference sponsored by the Houston Global Health Collaborative, the 6th annual gathering of interdisciplinary professionals with a passion for global health innovation and advancement. Research accepted includes clinical and field research, basic science and animal studies, program design, systematic reviews and case studies. Submit online by Monday, Jan. 29. The conference will take place March 9 – 10. Tickets are available online.


Digestive Diseases Symposium: Abstracts are now being accepted for the 9th Annual Frontiers in Digestive Diseases Symposium, "Frontiers of the Microbiome Gut-Brain Axis," to be held March 3. Cash prizes are available. Submit your abstract by Thursday, Feb. 1, to Sara Tristan. Register for the symposium online.


DLDCCC Symposium: Monday, Jan. 29, is the final day to submit your abstract for the 15th Annual Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Symposium, scheduled for March 1 – 2. This year’s topic is immunotherapy. Contact Amy Craft for more information.


Research Resources

From the Labs: Read how Dr. James Martin, professor and Vivian L. Smith Chair in Regenerative Medicine, and graduate student John Leach found a way to tap into the heart’s capacity to heal. You can receive weekly articles on research at Baylor as they are posted in our newsletter by going to From the Labs and entering your email address in the box on the right. Or get a digest at the end of the month with links to the articles posted that month by emailing science writer Ana Rodríguez with “Subscribe me to From the Labs” in the subject line.


Questions or Comments?

Faculty Senate: Please contact your Senator for faculty-related questions or suggestions.


Institutional Policy Committee: Contact the Policy Committee to learn more about College policies and procedures.


Items for Faculty Commons: To submit items for this weekly email update for Baylor College of Medicine faculty, please contact us.

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