Vital Signs - April 29, 2010
A dedication to teaching, learning
Recently, the UNC School of Medicine was recognized as one of the nation’s ten best schools for Women’s Health by the U.S. News and World Report. It was the first time the school, which tied for tenth in the specialty, has been recognized for Women’s Health.
Hodge recognized for mentoring by women's leadership council
The Carolina Women’s Leadership Council has honored School of Medicine professor Clyde Hodge, along with Michael McFee, UNC professor of English, for being great mentors to students and colleagues. They were honored at an awards ceremony on April 26.
Molecular marker could help spot pancreatic cancer early
Researchers at the UNC School of Medicine have identified a molecular marker of pancreatic cancer that may help spot the disease at its earliest stages, when it can be treated more successfully with surgery.
Rivenbark receives the American Society for Investigative Pathology Excellence in Science Award
The American Society for Investigative Pathology (ASIP) is pleased to announce that Ashley G. Rivenbark, PhD, a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at University of North Carolina School of Medicine, is the recipient of the 2010 ASIP Excellence in Science Award. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding achievement at the earliest stages of a career in biomedical research.
Spring fever blossoms in warm weather – but is it a real ailment?
Two UNC medical professionals explain the “spring fever” phenomenon and how seasons affect our mood.
UNC-led team develops ‘toolkit’ to address health literacy barriers
The federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has released the “Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit,” which was prepared for AHRQ by the UNC School of Medicine faculty. The toolkit, which can be downloaded as a PDF from the AHRQ website, is designed to help primary care doctors and their staffs learn how to communicate more effectively with their patients.
Jacoway receives 2010 Elaine M. Hill volunteer of the year award
Everyone in Volunteer Services has a “Pat Jacoway story.” They all agree Jacoway has been a memorable and irreplaceable presence in volunteer services during the 32 years she’s been a hospital volunteer. So much so that she was honored with the 2010 Elaine M. Hill volunteer of the year award.
Air-pollution expert explains how to take care of your lungs during ozone season
April's warm, sunny days mark the beginning of ozone season. UNC Health Care expert David Peden, M.D., the director of the Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma and Lung Biology at the UNC School of Medicine, explains what his research shows about ozone pollution and how you can protect yourself.
Columbia scientist wins 10th Perl-UNC Neuroscience Prize
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has named Thomas M. Jessell, Ph.D. as the recipient of the 10th Perl-UNC Neuroscience Prize. He will deliver the lecture, titled, “The Neurons and Networks of Spinal Motor Control” on May 4.
News from Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
News updates this week: Dr. Park Begins Initiative for Asian Medicine & Acupuncture Research and Walk-In Registration Begins for Run Walk & Roll.
Save the date: Microbiome Research Symposium
The event on June 2 will showcase the newly established capabilities of the Microbiome Core Facility (MCF) and prominent researchers in the field from a variety of disciplines to show the significance and relevance of such data to the study of human health and disease, as well as ecological and agricultural applications.
Sixth Annual Organ Systems Pharmacology Short Course
The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy is pleased to announce the Sixth Annual Organ Systems Pharmacology Short Course, funded by the NIH, to be held August 8 - 13.
Seminar: Scientific Writing from the Reader's Perspective
The TraCS Institute is pleased to announce the dates for a two-day writing seminar May 20 - 21 titled "Scientific Writing from the Reader's Perspective" taught by Dr. George Gopen. Dr. Gopen is a Professor of the Practice of Rhetoric and Senior Lecturing Fellow in the Department of English and the School of Law.
Workshop: Evidence-Based Interventions
The NC TraCS Community Engagement Core, the Carolina Community Network, Wake AHEC, Greensboro AHEC, and NC TraCS Dissemination Core proudly co-sponsor a series of free workshops on research topics. The next workshop in the series is, "Evidence-Based Interventions."
NC TraCS Institute Pilot Grant Program due dates
NC TraCS offers a Pilot Grant Program with $4.3 million available this year to support basic, clinical, and social scientists for bench-to-bedside and bedside-to-practice translational research.The goal is to promote development of novel solutions that will ultimately improve patient and community health outcomes for the citizens of North Carolina.
VIDEO: UNC Health Care's Habitat House halfway done!
As part of its Commitment to Communities program, UNC Health Care is sponsoring the construction of a Habitat for Humanity Home. The home we're building is now halfway done! The home will be owned by UNC Health Care employee Felicia Weaver of the division of Plastic Surgery.
Susan G. Komen founder visits N.C. Cancer Hospital
Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, founder and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, toured the state-of-the-art facilities at the N.C. Cancer Hospital on April 22.
Researchers find genetic variants linked to smoking behaviors
In a paper published in the journal Nature Genetics, a UNC team reported that three genetic regions were associated with the number of cigarettes smoked per day, one region was associated with smoking initiation and one variant was associated with smoking cessation.
A Southern Season sale May 5 - 6
Wrap it up for Mother's Day and UNC graduation day! The Volunteer Association is happy to announce that "A Southern Season" is returning to the Children's lobby May 5 and 6 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Team Approach to Child Abuse and Neglect
This two-day conference, May 13-14 at the Siena Hotel in Chapel Hill, will provide both a foundation and further professional expertise in the areas of evaluation, reporting, investigation and treatment of child abuse and neglect.
The Finance Division presents: eProcurement Town Hall
Starting this winter, staff on campus who create check requests will use the new ConnectCarolina eProcurement system to make purchases under $5,000. The University's Finance Division is holding a Town Hall meeting to introduce the system and collect feedback.
Healthy Heels news updates - Farmer's Market returns next week
From the Healthy Heels group: UNC Health Care's Farmer's Market returns May 5 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the N.C. Cancer Hospital courtyard. The first 50 shoppers get a free goodie bag! Also, don't forget about the May 11 Employee Health Fair from 6 a.m. - noon in the Women's Hospital lobby.
