News for BCM Faculty, July 15, 2021
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College News

From the Labs: July's Image of the Month in From the Labs at Baylor College of Medicine features an example of the cutting-edge imaging and image analysis tools offered by Baylor's Optical Imaging Vital Miscroscopy (OiVM) Core. Autofluorescence of pollen from Lilium orientalis "Stargazer," is featured in the image courtesy of Jason Kirk, director of the Optical Imaging & Vital Microscopy.

Faculty Kudos

Dr. Daniel Hamstra, professor and chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology, has been selected as a fellow for the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) in recognition of his conributiosn to the field of radiation oncology and his progress in advancing cancer research, education and patient care. The class of 2021 will be inducted at the Award Ceremony for Astro's 63rd Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 26, in Chicago.

Dr. Douglas D. Koch, professor and Allen, Mosbacher, and Law Chair in Ophthalmology, has received a $10 million gift to be used for basic research in optics and corneal biomechanics, as well as clinical research to improve outcomes and safety of lens implantation and to develop and refine new procedures and devices for treating nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. The grant is supported by the SRB Charitable Corp., a private foundation based in Fort Worth, Texas.

Dr. Rayne Rouce, assistant professor of pediatrics – hematology/oncology, has received the 2021 Outstanding Women in Science Award from the Association for Women in Science – Gulf Coast Houston. She was recognized for her clinical work with pediatric leukemia and lymphoma patients and her research on T cell immunotherapy. Rouce also serves as associate dean of community engagement at Baylor and has been actively involved in diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Dr. Raymond Stainback has been named president of the American Society of Echocardiography. He previously served as vice president, then president-elect. He shared his vision for the organization at the ASE 2021 Scientific Sessions Virtual Experience in June.

Dr. Joseph Mills has been elected vice president of the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), the leading not-for-profit, professional society on establishing causes and treatmens for vascular disease. Mills was elected vice president at the SVS annual bussiness meeting held on June 14, 2021.

College Events
Autism Webinar: Dr. Ariel Lyons-Warren, instructor of pediatrics, will present a Spectrum webinar to talk about olfactory deficits in neurodevelopmental conditions, at 2 p.m. Monday, July 19. Register online.

Faculty Opportunities
Call for Patient, Physician and Society Faculty Facilitator: The School of Medicine is recruiting for a Patient, Physician and Society (PPS) I/II Faculty Facilitator for AY 2021-2022. PPS is a foundational doctoring course teaching basic communication, history, and physical exam skills. Faculty facilitators will work with first-year students during small-group session held at the main BCM campus on Wednesday afternoons throughout the academic year. Learn more. The deadline for submissions to Richelle Lopez, is Friday, July 16. For additional questions, please contact Dr.Stacey Rose.

Call for Applications: The Research and Populations in Medicine (RPM) team is looking to fill a Team Based Learning (TBL) Facilitator role for 2021 – 2022. Learn more. The deadline is Friday, July 16. For additional questions, please contact Dr. Nadia Ismail.

Harris Health MBA Information Session: Harris Health System is offering Baylor physicians and staff at the level of manager and above who work at Ben Taub or Harris Health clinics the opportunity to earn an executive MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas. The Leadership Development program is being offered to a total of 30 people at three institutions – Harris Health, Baylor and UT-Houston. The program is three years and includes both online and six weekend sessions a year, in person, in Houston. Financial support is offered by the institutions with participants paying a portion of the tuition. Learn more. Interested faculty and staff should send a letter of interest, CV, and letter of support from their department chair or center director to Lorie Tabak by July 16, 2021 (note extended deadline). Those selected to move forward should complete the University of Texas at Dallas application, due by July 30 to Kim Nugent. Questions? Contact Kim Nugent.

Request for Applications Faculty Pilot Grants
Baylor College of Medicine, with the support of the Huffington Foundation, is announcing the availability of pilot grant funding for BCM faculty members engaged in educational research or program development and evaluation. Education, Innovation and Technology (EIT) Faculty Pilot Grants will provide funding of up to $50,00 per project for up to a two-year duration. Learn more. Contact Maria Lopez for additional questions. The deadline to apply is Aug. 2.

Participants needed for Alzheimer's study: Adults 18 years and older who identify as Mexican or Mexican American are needed for a collaborative study of UH and BCM to address health disparities in Alzheimer’s disease research. The study, funded by a grant from the BCM Office of the President and part of the Engaging Communities of Hispanics/Latinos for Aging Research (ECHAR) network, is called 'Mapa de Perspectivas,' the words Spanish-speaking Mexicans and Mexican Americans use to describe Alzheimer’s. Participants can receive compensation. For more information email Jamie Fong or call (713) 798-9080.

Male surgeons needed for fertility and fatherhood study: Researchers in the Scott Department of Urology are studying patterns and opinions about fatherhood among male surgeons through an upcoming study. If interested in participating, please fill out this anonymous questionnaire. For questions regarding this survey or study, contact Dr. Larry Lipshultz at (713) 798-4001.

Call for Abstracts: The Academy of Distinguished Educators hosts a virtual annual Showcase of Educational Scholarship Sept. 17. Faculty, staff and learners are invited to submit an abstract for presentation as a virtual poster display by Aug. 2. Areas of interest include content development, instructional design/delivery, learner assessment and educational leadership.

Call for Nominations: Nominate an outstanding BCM Physician Assistant Program alumnus or BCM Physician Assistant for the Carl E. Fasser Visionary Leadership Award. This award recognizes those PA professionals who demonstrate leadership in research, education, clinical practice, administrative and/or service. This award was established in honor of Carl Fasser for his sustained demonstration of visionary leadership toward the physician assistant profession. The deadline for nominations is July 30. See more information.

Baruch A Brody Lecture in Bioethics: Nominations are now being accepted for the 2021-2022 Baruch A. Brody Award & Lecture in Bioethics. This award, a $10,000 named lectureship in Baruch Brody's honor, will recognize junior and mid-level scholars who have made important theoretical contributions to the field of bioethics. The awardee will embody the values and virtues that were central to Brody's scholarly life and work. Learn more. Deadline is July 30.

Vaccine Studies: Baylor investigators at the Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Unit are looking for volunteers who are age 18 and older, with no past history of COVID-19, to participate in vaccine studies. Please call (713) 798-4912, email COVID-VAX@bcm.edu or register online to get involved.

• Volunteers who have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine can participate in COVID-19 vaccine studies.
• Volunteers who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can participate in COVID-19 booster vaccine studies.

Alumni Mentors: Many of Baylor's graduating medical students are seeking mentorship to help navigate the next phase of their medical career. The Office of Alumni Affairs seeks alumni mentors who can help guide these recent graduates. For any questions, please contact Nate Church.

Faculty Resources

Registration open: Clinical investigation courses: Registration is open through July 16 for the Fundamentals of Clinical Investigations (Aug. 2 - 19) and Responsible Conflict of Interest for Clinical Investigators (Aug. 23 - 26), courses offered by the Clinical Scientist Training Program. Registration forms and more information are available on the CSTP courses website.

Appointments available at new employee healthcare clinic: Scheduling is now available by calling 832-548-9775 for the new dedicated healthcare clinic for Baylor employees and their dependents covered by a BCM medical plan. The clinic opened Wednesday, July 14, in suite 1225 at Baylor Clinic. A collaboration of Baylor Medicine and Vera Whole Health, it offers personalized primary care, chronic disease management and acute medical care with no or low fees. Look for a welcome packet with more information in the mail.

Update! Annual compliance education date change to July 19: The FY22 Annual Compliance Education is set to kick off next Monday, July 19, for all BCM students and paid employees, and will run through August 30. This year's topic focuses on BCM's dedication to non-retaliation for good faith reporting. The education will be available through BCM’s on-line learning system, SuccessFactors and a notice will appear in your BCM inbox when the course has been assigned.

Questions or Comments?

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