SOM e-NEWS November '01

News and information (appointments, searches, events, awards, etc.) pertaining to the School of Medicine are featured in SOM e-NEWS in abstract form and are linked to the web for more detailed information. SOM e-NEWS is currently published bimonthly. If you have information you would like published in this newsletter, please contact Denise Gonzalez, in our office via email (djgonzal@utmb.edu) or by fax (29598). Please let us know your ideas and suggestions for this communication format. You may send your comments via email to Linda Phillips (lphillip@utmb.edu).

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1. UPCOMING EVENTS

· NEW FACULTY ORIENTATION LUNCHEONS

A series of orientation luncheons have been scheduled to introduce new faculty to UTMB. The next two luncheons will focus on research services/programs and will be held from noon to 1:00 PM, Caduceus Room, 6^th Floor of Administration Building:

November 29^th, presentation regarding 1) SOM coordination of research efforts: Stanley M. Lemon, M.D., Dean of Medicine; and 2) services and classes of the Office of the Vice President for Research: Adrian Perachio, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Myrta Stager, Director of Research Education

December 5^th presentation by Sarah Toombs Smith, Office of Institutional Research Development, Angela Wishon, Office of Research Facilitation and Compliance, and David Wright, Office of Research Information Systems

· VISIT OF EMMA J. STOKES, PH.D

Dr. Stokes, Senior Organization Development Consultant, Johns Hopkins University, will be here for a visit from December 3-7, 2001. Dr. Stokes will be meeting with administrative leadership to discuss mentoring programs.

· TOWN MEETING

Tuesday, December 4, 2001, noon to 1:00 PM, Levin Hall Main Auditorium.

· FACULTY OF MEDICINE MEETING

Tuesday, December 4, 2001, 4:30 PM, Clinical Sciences Auditorium.

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2. DR. STOBO RECEIVES LEADERSHIP AWARD

President Stobo was honored by the Society for Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (SELAM) for his commitment to advancing the careers of women in academic medicine. The award was presented to Dr. Stobo at a reception on Saturday, November 3^rd during the annual meeting of the Association of American Medical Colleges. Throughout his career, Dr. Stobo has made tremendous strides to enrich programs that support the advancement of women in academic medicine, and it is for this long history of promotion that he was presented the SELAM's Recognition Award.

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3. OSLER SCHOLARS ANNOUNCED AT FOUNDERS DAY EVENT

Six School of Medicine faculty have been named William Osler Scholars. The announcement was made at the beginning of the Founder's Day activities on October 26^th. The following faculty were selected based on their history of giving highly competent, humane, compassionate care and serving as outstanding teachers and role models: Drs. Jack B. Alperin, Robert E. Beach, Tung V. Dinh, Alice Anne O'Donell, Francis B. Quinn, Jr., and C. Joan Richardson. Each Scholar will hold the honor for five years and together will comprise the new John P. McGovern, M.D., Academy of Oslerian Medicine. To learn more about the scholars, please visit: http://www.utmb.edu/president/osler/osler_scholars.htm

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4. AWARDS FOR SOM GIVEN DURING FOUNDERS DAY WEEKEND

Awards for the School of Medicine were presented at two luncheons during Founder's Day Weekend, October 26-27, 2001. The following community physicians and School of Medicine faculty received teaching awards at the Faculty Awards Luncheon held on Friday:

Top Docs Awards (given to community physicians who help train our medical students).

Dr. Nina Miller – League City

Dr. James Newman – Galveston

Dr. Rafael Pardo – Baytown

Class of ’47 Award (given to SOM faculty who demonstrate the highest quality of teaching)

Dr. Tapan Banerji - Anatomy & Neurosciences

Dr. Robert Fleischmann - Microbiology & Immunology

Dr. Brian T. Miller - Anatomy & Neurosciences

Dr. Gregg T. Nagle - Anatomy & Neurosciences

In addition, students received awards at the Scholarship Luncheon held on Saturday.

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5. APPOINTMENT OF DR. CHRISTINE TURLEY

Christine Turley, M.D. was appointed Interim Associate Chief Medical Director on October 1, 2001. In this new role, Dr. Turley will focus on the Medical Director program and will work with physicians, clinic staff and Faculty Group Practice Administration to facilitate outpatient services.

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6. DR. RINAT ESENALIEV NOMINATED FOR 2002 DANA AWARD

The School's Selection Committee for the 2002 Dana Clinical Hypotheses Program in Imaging has nominated Rinat O. Esenaliev, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, for this award. The Clinical Hypotheses Program in Imaging seeks to advance applications of neuroscience research to human diseases and disorders by facilitating pilot-tests of innovative hypotheses. Projects selected for funding under this program have focused on developing and testing new uses of brain imaging technologies, creating new approaches to understanding brain processes, and monitoring brain activities of the effects of new therapies. Dr. Esenaliev's work in improving care for critically ill patients with life-threatening diseases makes him an ideal candidate for this award. His research involves developing the optoacoustic technique for mapping of brain oxygenation that can be used as a tool for management of neurological conditions and disorders.

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7. APPOINTMENTS OF DRS. JOEL P. GALLAGHER AND THOMAS A. KENT

Professor Joel P. Gallagher (Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology) and Professor Thomas A. Kent (Department of Neurology) have been appointed as Co-Directors of the Interdisciplinary Program in Neurosciences. In this capacity, Drs. Gallagher and Kent will work to stimulate and enhance the scope and diversity of interdisciplinary investigation in the neurosciences. Neuroscience strengths exist at present within many academic departments and centers at UTMB. Through focused support of research core facilities and competitive pilot research grants, the Interdisciplinary Program in Neurosciences aims to leverage existing research strengths and achieve greater overall synergy in our neuroscience efforts.

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8. APPOINTMENT, PROMOTION AND TENURE WORKSHOP

The Office of the Dean of Medicine recently hosted a workshop for SOM faculty in an effort to clarify the appointment, promotion and tenure process. Topics included explanation of the different tracks and titles, Regents' Rules and State Laws, discussion of the departmental activity and SOM committee process, etc. Many individuals were put on a waiting list due to the limited space that was available, therefore, plans are underway to repeat the workshop in a few months. In addition, the workshop will be available on CD-ROM.

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9. CAMPUS SECURITY: BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL THREATS

With regards to recent national events, UTMB has taken measures to protect employees, students, operations and property. The following guidelines pertaining to laboratory security are being reinforced:

1. Laboratories must be able to identify a loss involving a chemical, biological, radioactive material or research data . Laboratories must have current systems in place to account for these materials should theft or damage occur.

2. Laboratories must be secured when not occupied.

In addition, all of the entrances in the Medical Research Building and Basic Sciences Building will be secured on a 24 hour basis. Campus security measures were discussed at the Nov. 1 Special Town Meeting on Emergency Preparedness. For further details please visit:

http://www.utmb.edu/iutmbevents/security_memo.htm

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10. ACADEMIC CHAIRPERSONS CONFERENCE

The Nineteenth Annual Academic Chairpersons Conference, hosted by the Individual Development Educational Assessment (IDEA) Center-Kansas State University, is an annual forum where academic chairpersons, administrators and faculty from all areas of higher education share the most successful, innovative ideas and strategies to assist each other in becoming more effective in their positions. The conference will be held February 6-8, 2002 in Orlando. For more information, please visit: http://www.dce.ksu.edu/dce/cl/academichair/.

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11. SECC CAMPAIGN EXTENDED UNTIL NOVEMBER 16

For those who have not yet contributed to the SECC, the campaign has been extended to Friday, November 16^th. Everyone is encouraged to participate in this worthy cause. Please visit the following web site for further details:

http://www.utmb.edu/secc/secure/SECC.asp

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12. SEARCHES

Chair, Department of Internal Medicine: One candidate has come in for a third visit.

Chair, Department of Neurology: Three candidates have returned for second visits in October and one candidate will return for a second visit in November.

Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Practice: Three candidates will be meeting with the Search Committee in late November.

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13. MAJOR GRANTS AND AWARDS

· Barrett, Alan. Pathology. Applied Research in Emerging Infections Investigations of West Nile Virus. Centers for Disease Control. $510,666/3 yrs.

· Higgs, Stephen. Pathology. Applied Research in Emerging Infections Investigations of West Nile Virus. National Center for Infectious Diseases. $410,397/3 yrs.

· Johnson, Kenneth M. Pharmacology. Perinatal Neurodegeneratin and Schizophrenia. National Institute of Mental Health. $993,527/4 yrs.

· Smith, Karen. Pediatrics. Medical Complication & Parenting; Preterm Development. UTHSC-Houston/NICHD Subcontract. $187,794/1 yr.

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14. GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

Call for Nominations - Pfizer Scholar Grants

Our School has received an invitation from Pfizer, Inc to submit a limited number of proposals for the following scholar grants. Faculty interested in applying for these awards should submit a summary of their research and a copy of their CV, or if you would like to nominate an individual, please submit a comprehensive letter of nomination to the Office of the Dean of Medicine, ATTN: Linda G. Phillips, M.D., Route 0133, or email at lphillip@utmb.edu by the internal deadline to allow time for committee deliberations and review of application materials prior to the external deadline. THE INTERNAL DEADLINE FOR THE FOLLOWING GRANTS HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO NOVEMBER 16^TH.

Title: Pfizer Scholars Grants for Faculty Development in Pediatric Health. Provides support of $65,000 per year for two years to promising physician-scientists who wish to conduct original clinical research to improve the health and welfare of children. These grants are specifically intended to help physician-scientists make the critical transition into academic faculty status at U.S. medical schools. To be eligible, the applicant must have an MD or DO degree, completed all clinical and research training and have full-time university faculty appointment at the commencement of the grant, July 1, 2002. Candidates must also demonstrate the motivation and ability to conduct clinical research pertaining to pediatric health, and exhibit a commitment to an academic career in clinical research in pediatrics. The sponsor will accept only one application per medical school or teaching hospital with an accredited pediatric residency program. Two fellowships are available.

Internal deadline: 11/16/2001

External deadline: 11/30/2001

Title: Pfizer Scholars Grants for Faculty Development in Clinical Epidemiology.

Support studies such as the burden of disease, costs of disease, diagnosis, etiology, prognosis, or treatment of disease. Applicant must have an MD or other doctoral clinical degree and have completed clinical training in his/her specialty area; have completed formal research training in epidemiology or clinical epidemiology as of July 2002; have a faculty appointment below the level of associate professor at a U.S. medical school; and have a designated sponsor at the applicant's institution with expertise in their selected area of research. $65,000 per year for three years. Two individuals will be selected this year for this grant. A medical school may submit only one application.

Internal Deadline: 11/16/2001

External Deadline: 12/14/2001

Title: Pfizer/SWHR Scholars Grants for Faculty Development in Women's Health.

Three awards; $65,000 per year for 3 years in biological mechanisms of diseases in women. Eligible applicants must have an M.D. or D.O. degree with twelve years or less of professional experience in his/her specialty area as of July 2002; have a faculty appointment below the level of associate professor at a U.S. medical school; and have a designated sponsor at the applicant's institution with expertise in the selected area of research. One application per Medical School in each of the following therapeutic areas: Cardiovascular Disease, Mental Health, or Reproductive Physiology.

Internal Deadline: 11/16/2001

External Deadline: 12/10/2001

Title: Pfizer 2002 Pfizer/AGS Fndn. for Health in Aging Junior Faculty Scholars Program for Research on Health Outcomes in Geriatrics.

This new program is designed to help recipients make the transition from junior faculty to independent researcher. Provides $65,000 per year for two years to two physician-scientists who wish to pursue original research in geriatrics health outcomes. Formerly known as the Pfizer/AGS Postdoctoral Fellowship Program for Research on Health Outcomes in Geriatrics. To be eligible, applicants must have an MD or DO degree; completed at least one year of geriatric medicine, geropsychiatry, or geriatric neurology training as of July 1, 2002 and be Board eligible; not have had a full-time faculty appointment at the level of assistant professor for more than two years at the time of the grant becomes effective; and have a minimum of one year of clinical experience and one year of research training. No more than three applications will be accepted from each Medical School.

Internal Deadline: 11/16/2001

External Deadline: 12/01/2001

Call for Nominations - Pfizer Postdoctoral Fellowship Programs

Pfizer has announced training opportunities for researchers in five Fellowship programs listed below. These Fellowships provide each recipient $65,000 per year for a duration of two or three years, depending upon the grant. Recipients must be U.S. citizens or show proof of permanent residency. Grantees must also plan to conduct their research at a U.S. academic institution with an experienced mentor. If you would like to nominate an individual, please submit a comprehensive letter of nomination to the Office of the Dean of Medicine, ATTN: Linda G. Phillips, M.D., Route 0133, or email at lphillip@utmb.edu by the internal deadline to allow time for committee deliberations and review of application materials prior to the external deadline. For further details please visit the following website: http://www.physicianscientist.com/postdoctorate_fellowships/index.html

Title: Pfizer 2002 Postdoctoral Fellowship Grants in Pain Medicine.

Internal Deadline: 11/30/2001

External Deadline: 12/31/2001

Title: Pfizer Postdoctoral Fellowship Grants in Biological Psychiatry.

Internal Deadline: 12/12/2001

External Deadline: 01/11/2002

Title: Pfizer Postdoctoral Fellowship Grants in Rheumatology/Immunology.

Internal Deadline: 12/21/2001

External Deadline: 01/25/2002

Title: Pfizer Postdoctoral Fellowship Grants in Cardiovascular Medicine.

Internal Deadline: 01/08/2001

External Deadline: 02/08/2002

Title: Pfizer Postdoctoral Fellowship Grants in Infectious Diseases.

Internal Deadline: 12/21/2001

External Deadline: 01/25/2002

American Heart Association Awards

Funding opportunities are available from the American Heart Association for its national and affiliate programs. The scope of research areas supported by the American Heart Association is very broad. An objective of the Association's research program is to identify needs and develop programs that stimulate research in exciting and promising scientific areas.

National Research Programs:

Scientist Development Grant -

· Winter Deadline: January 14, 2002; Summer Deadline: July 15, 2002. 65,0000/yr., 4 years.

Established Investigator Grant -

· Winter Deadline: January 14, 2002; Summer Deadline: July 15, 2002. $75,000/yr., 4 years.

Grant-in-Aid -

· Winter Deadline: January 15, 2002; Summer Deadline: July 16, 2002. $71,500/yr., 3 years.

Fellow to Faculty Transition Award -

· Deadline: January 14, 2002. 1-3 years of research training at $65,000/yr; first years of first faculty/staff appointment at $132,000/yr. Maximum 5-years support.

Texas Affiliate Research Programs

Postdoctoral Fellowship -

· Deadline: December 12, 2001. Stipend from $28,000 - $44,000 depending on full years of relevant postdoctoral clinical and research training, plus $3,000 annual departmental allowance. One or two years. Renewal is possible for a maximum of three years of postdoctoral fellowship support from the American Heart Association.

Beginning Grant-in-Aid -

· Deadline: January 16, 2002. $62,000/yr., 2 years.

Grant-in-Aid -

· Deadline: January 16, 2002. $62,000/yr., 2 years.

For more information about each award, please visit http://www.americanheart.org/research or contact Denise Gonzalez in the Office of the Dean of Medicine, extension 23967.

Other Funding Opportunities

Landon-AACR Prizes. The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) announces the formation of two major international prizes recognizing excellence in cancer research:

Kirk A. Landon-AACR Prize for Basic Cancer Research will recognize significant, fundamental contributions to laboratory research.

Dorothy P. Landon-AACR Prize for Translational Cancer Research will recognize extraordinary achievement in translational cancer research - the interface between basic research and its application to the clinic in the areas of diagnosis, treatment, or the prevention of cancer.

The Kirk A. and Dorothy P. Landon Foundation, based in Miami, Florida, has invited AACR to administer these annual prizes which will promote and reward seminal contributions to our understanding of cancer through basic and translational cancer research. Complete details can be found on the AACR Website at www.aacr.org. The deadline for nominations is November 15, 2001.

The Robert J. and Claire Pasarow Medical Research Awards. The Robert J. and Claire Pasarow Foundation has established three annual medical prizes of $35,000 for extraordinary accomplishment in cancer research, cardiovascular research and neuropsychiatry research. This is the fifteenth year of the awards program. The three prizes, one in each of the three fields, are given for basic and/or clinical research. The key criterion that will be used is evidence of extraordinary accomplishment. Nominations should be received by January 11, 2002.

The Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize for Biology or Biochemistry. Columbia University presents an annual award to honor a scientific investigator, or group of investigators, whose contributions to knowledge in the fields of biology or biochemistry are deemed worthy of special recognition. The Prize consists of an honorarium and a citation which are awarded at a special presentation event. The deadline to submit nominations is January 15, 2002.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Award for Distinguished Achievement in Metabolic Research. The Bristol-Myers Squibb Company has a call for nominations for the Third Annual Bristol-Myers Squibb Award for Distinguished Achievement in Metabolic Research. The award is presented to a scientist who has made an outstanding contribution to metabolic disease research, such as diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, osteoporosis, or age-related diseases. The award recipient will receive a $50,000 prize and a silver medallion. Rules and official nomination forms are available from: www.bms.com/foundation/awards.html. The deadline for receipt of nominations is February 28, 2002.

Albert Lasker Medical Research Awards 2002. Our School has been invited to submit a nomination for the 2002 Albert Lasker Medical Research Awards. The Awards will be offered in three categories: The Basic Medical Research Award ($50,000), Clinical Medical Research Award ($50,000) and the Special Achievement Award in Medical Science ($25,000). The Awards are intended to recognize contributions that have opened new fields of research, advancing novel concepts or their applications in a particular biomedical discipline. These advances may consist of a specific contribution or a long series of contributions that demonstrate the nominee's significant leadership towards the development of research concepts or their clinical application. Nominations should be postmarked no later than February, 1, 2002.

For more information about each award, nomination requirements, etc., please contact Denise Gonzalez in the Office of the Dean of Medicine, extension 23967.

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Submit your information for SOM e-NEWS:

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SOM e-NEWS is an initiative of the Office of the Dean of Medicine, to improve communication with faculty and staff in the school. The editor of the newsletter is Dr. Linda Phillips. An archive of the newsletter is available on the SOM web site:

http://www.som.utmb.edu/e-NEWS/eNEWS-TOC.htm. Thank you for your interest and time.

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