News for BCM Faculty, Dec. 1, 2022
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College News

Caption: November was a month of giving back for Baylor College of Medicine employees who volunteered for U.S. Vets, Project C.U.R.E. and the Hermann Park Conservancy. Read more in BCM Family.

Faculty Kudos

The American Pediatric Society announced 95 new members, including five from Baylor. APS members are recognized child health leaders of extraordinary achievement who work together to shape the future of academic pediatrics. New members will be recognized during the APS Presidential Plenary April 29 at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2023 Meeting.

• Dr. Sheryl Hughes, professor of pediatrics – nutrition
• Dr. Teresia O’Connor, associate professor of pediatrics and associate director for human sciences at the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)
• Dr. Ricardo Quinonez, associate professor of pediatrics – hospital medicine
• Dr. Binoy Shivanna, associate professor of pediatrics – newborn
• Dr. Yong Xu, professor of pediatrics and associate director for basic sciences at the CNRC

Dr. Brandi Ring, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology, was chosen as the 2022-2023 co-chair for the Patient Centered Research Outcomes Institute’s advisory panel on healthcare delivery and disparities. PCORI is an independent, nonprofit research organization that seeks to empower patients and others with actionable information about their health and healthcare choices.

Coming Up

SWPDC Symposium: Please join Southwest National Pediatric Device Innovation Consortium from 4-7 p.m. Dec. 8 for the 8th annual Southwest National Pediatric Device Innovation Consortium Symposium and Business Meeting at JLABS inside John P McGovern Campus, 2450 Holcombe Blvd, Suite J. The keynote presentation is “Non-Dilutive Federal Funding for Pediatric Device Startups” by Dr. Michael J. Heffernan, director of research and technology at Fannin Innovation Studio. A panel discussion and reception will follow. Register now.

Profiles in Professionalism: Dr. Fred Hafferty, professor of medical education at Mayo Clinic, will speak at 12:15 p.m. at the Department of Medicine Grand Rounds and 5 p.m. Dec. 8 to a general audience via Zoom (password 005837). All are welcome to attend either lecture. “Reimagining Medicine’s Identity as a Profession” will:

• Differentiate professionalism at the collective versus individual levels
• Review Baylor Grand Rounds Data on professionalism
• Examine remedial steps to address Baylor faculty professionalism concerns

Holiday Spirit: Snap a photo of your office, lab or clinic ready for the holidays and email to Anna Kiappes by 2 p.m. Dec. 19. Please include names and departments as photos will be shared on Baylor's social media accounts. Be sure to follow Baylor on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see the photos!

Blood drive: Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6 in Rayzor Lounge. Those who donate will receive a Blood Center item of their choice. Reserve your spot and earn 50 Vitality Points for donating blood. BCM BeWell participants can earn points up to four times per year.

Long COVID Syndrome Forum: Baylor will host a free virtual Long COVID Syndrome Forum from 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 10. Faculty involved in the Post-COVID Care Clinic and long COVID research will speak on their experiences and lessons learned during the pandemic. CME credits are available. Register and find more information. Topics include:

• Strategies for identifying and managing post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS)
• Defining care models for long COVID patients
• Research on understanding the mechanisms of long COVID

Faculty Opportunities

SlicerDicer resources: The Institute of Clinical and Translational Research will conduct SlicerDicer and i2b2 sessions in December. Sessions will be held virtually via Zoom. Register below.

• 1:30 p.m. Dec. 9: SlicerDicer Introduction and Tutorial (1 CME credit)
• 1:30 p.m. Dec. 16: I2B2 Introduction and Tutorial (1 CME credit)

Robertson Award Nominations: The 2023 Barbara and Corbin J. Robertson, Jr. Presidential Award for Excellence in Education is accepting nominations for this college-wide award for stellar and enduring contributions to the educational mission. As part of the Baylor academic community, you are encouraged to identify and nominate those you believe qualified for this award. Visit the award website for criteria and instructions. Deadline for nominations is Dec. 12.

Clark Faculty Service Award: This prestigious, college-wide award recognizes Baylor College of Medicine faculty members whose exemplary service contributions have not been recognized before. Faculty members are encouraged to nominate colleagues who demonstrate a consistent commitment to excellence, altruism and community – and to Baylor’s mission, vision and values – through either a single endeavor or multiple service activities. Please also inform others of this important opportunity and recommend faculty qualified to be nominated. Visit Clark Faculty Service Award for full details. Nominations will be accepted through Dec. 19. For questions, contact Deborah Fernandez at dfernand@bcm.edu or call 713-798-7285.

Patient Safety Small Group Facilitators: Baylor is the only known medical school with a required Patient Safety course in the undergraduate curriculum. Each year, the College invites faculty, fellows and residents to participate as small group facilitators. This year, the school will recruit 40 facilitators. Responsibilities start in January. Find more information and register on Faculty Opportunities. For questions, email Dr. Sara Andrabi at sandrabi@bcm.edu or Dr. Mona Khattab at mona.khattab@bcm.edu.

Available services

HOMES Clinic Fundraiser: The HOMES Clinic’s fall campaign, Give Thanks, is raising funds to provide life-saving essentials like handwarmers, sleeping bags, blankets, insulated socks, crutches and walkers for unhoused people. Find more information at the clinic's new website. HOMES Clinic is a healthcare provider network for unhoused people in the Houston area. All fundraiser proceeds will go to patient care and clinic operations.

Pediatric Brain Cancer: Baylor is partnering with select Chevron stations in Texas to support pediatric/adolescent brain cancer research. Now through the end of the year, when you use Baylor-branded gas pumps at participating Chevron stations, 5 cents of every gallon purchased benefits the College’s research that leads to better patient care. It’s a fast and easy way to help our young patients with brain cancer put the disease in their rearview mirrors. Find more information, including a list of participating locations.

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.

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