Vital Signs
This week's collection of news and events from the School of Medicine
CASTLE Program featured on local news stations
The CASTLE program, which works through the UNC Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, is an organization that provides comprehensive services to children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
First ever Carolina Biosciences Alumni Reunion and Symposium held May 16 and 17
The Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program held its first reunion and symposium, bringing back alumni from the 14 BBSP PhD programs for a two-day event that featured speeches, poster sessions, seminars, and other festivities that connected faculty, students, and graduates.
The secret lives (and deaths) of neurons
UNC researchers uncover surprising insights about how nerve cells rewire themselves, shedding light on a process linked with neurodegenerative diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders like schizophrenia and autism.
Problem with Message Waiting Indicator on new VOIP phones
For those with the new Aastra Voice Over IP (VOIP) phones, there was a recent system problem that affected the indicator that alerts you if a voicemail message is waiting. If you have an Aastra VOIP phone, read on for details.
UNC startup aims to improve patient experience
Bivarus, Inc., the startup cofounded by Seth Glickman, MD, MBA, assistant professor in the UNC Department of Emergency Medicine, is improving patient satisfaction in the Emergency Department and the Department of Dermatology by obtaining real-time patient feedback via smart phone and email.
Change in Carotene Testing on May 28, 2013
Read below for the new lab memorandum: Change in Carotene Testing on May 28, 2013.
Burks invited to serve as Chair of NIH’s HAI Study Section
Dr. Wesley Burks, Chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Physician-in-Chief of N.C. Children's Hospital, will join the Hypersensitivity Autoimmune, and Immune-Mediated Diseases Study Section, Center for Scientific Review.
ASPIRE Program Participating in New Research Study to Develop Blood Test for Early Autism Diagnosis
The purpose of this research study is to develop an algorithm to classify blood RNA gene expression patterns in such a way as to maximize agreement between the classification and a clinical assessment of the presence or absence of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Introduction to Practical Evaluation Workshop by Center TRT
A free Introduction to Practical Evaluation Workshop will be held on Monday, June 3 from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. at the Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (HPDP). Project directors, interventionists, staff and students are all welcome to participate.
NC TraCS Events and Announcements
Upcoming events include an NCRP Educational Session and an AHRQ Webinar. Plus an invitation to take a survey on the UNC Clinical Research Management System (CRMS).
Respiratory Therapy Ethics Series
"ECMO/ECLS: We’re on! Now what? Ethical Considerations in Patient Management" will be the topic of a panel discussion co-sponsored by Respiratory Therapy and the UNC Hospital Ethics Committee. Facilitated by Respiratory Therapy Clinical Manager Neil Ryan, BSRT, the panel will feature Tony Webber, RRT; Rob Lovrich, MD; Benny Joyner, MD, MPH and Arlene Davis, RN, JD.
Health care communicator sheds locks for love
Danielle Bates, communications director of NC Children's Hospital, shaved her head on Saturday, May 18 at the Crunkleton to help raise awareness and money for children with cancer. Learn more to see how her mother and a young patient, both who battled cancer, served as her motivation.
Association of Professional Women in Medicine
Please join the Association of Professional Women in Medicine for lunch on May 31 to discuss the roles of women faculty, web page updates and leadership opportunities.
RN: Real Nurses - Karan Batts
Karan Batts, a nurse in the PACU at UNC's Ambulatory Care Center, is also a ballroom dancer.
IMRT may not be more effective than older radiation techniques after prostatectomy
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy has become the most commonly used type of radiation in prostate cancer, but research from UNC suggests that the therapy may not be more effective than older, less expensive forms of radiation therapy in patients who have had a prostatectomy.
Lee receives Washington University School of Medicine Alumni Achievement Award
On April 27, Department of Radiology Immediate Past Chair Dr. Joseph KT Lee was amongst four Washington University School of Medicine alumni who received the institution's 2013 Alumni Achievement Award.
Smith wins three-year Klingenstein Fund award to support neuroscience research
Spencer Smith, PhD, assistant professor of cell biology and physiology, and the UNC Neuroscience Center, will use the additional funding to pursue experiments to shed light on the role of dendrites in neuron function and computation.
NC TraCS Events and Announcements
An update on the TraCS $5-50K Pilot Program, and upcoming events, including Comparative Effectiveness Research Methods Series, "Trans-disciplinary Approach to Reducing Cervical Cancer in Appalachia," Orientation for New Clinical Research Personnel, "What's Bad About Good Cholesterol?," and a Core Facilities Information Session and Social.
Constitutional Amendment for proposed new Department of Urology
Faculty members are asked to vote in favor, or against, the constitutional amendment by May 29, 2013.
2013 SOM Graduation - Awards and Honors
Many of our 2013 medical students were recognized for various awards at the 2013. Read on for details.
