november 2008
Dean's Comments
In early October I received an e-mail with the rare subject line “Good news!” It came from our associate dean for graduate medical education, Dr. Miriam Bar-on. The news was the reaccreditation of our internal medicine residency training program in Las Vegas and of our plastic surgery training program (for the maximum of five years), as well as the accreditation of a new training program in oncology.
This was, indeed, good news. Few people outside the administration of graduate medical education programs realize how much effort goes into getting such programs under way and then maintaining them at a level that satisfies the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).
The ACGME does not merely look for evidence that residents complete certain rotations or mark off skill-sets on a checklist. Rather, we have to show that we succeed at the development of comprehensive professional competence in our trainees. The maturation from newly minted M.D. to full-fledged physician or surgeon is a developmental task that challenges our trainees as much as their preceptors and mentors. For two complex training programs to be recognized as meeting the standards is truly a proud accomplishment for which we can congratulate Mimi Bar-on, the training directors Sandye Wahi (internal medicine) and John Fildes (surgery), as well as the respective department chairs Mike Jakoby and Bill Zamboni.
The new program in oncology deserves special mention. It represents a joint effort with the Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI) and is another step of the School of Medicine, in collaboration with a community partner, towards developing specialist training in underserved areas of medicine in Nevada, in this case the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Because of funding issues in a difficult economic environment, the actual inauguration of the program may be delayed until July 2010. Still, this is a milestone. The new program will provide the first internal medicine subspecialization training in Southern Nevada. It will be, I expect, a path-breaker for many more to come. Drs. Mimi Bar-on, Mike Jakoby, Sandye Wahi and Nick Vogelzang of the NVCI deserve our appreciation and thanks for having pulled off this tremendous undertaking.
Ole J.Thienhaus, M.D., MBA
Dean,
University of Nevada School of Medicine
Medical Education
Bierkamper Convocation call for abstracts
The University of Nevada School of Medicine announces its call for abstracts for the George G. Bierkamper Student Research Convocation to be held Jan. 20, 2009. The convocation is open to all medical and graduate students and residents of the School. Abstracts will be accepted until Dec. 5.
Phillips selected as chairperson-elect
James Phillips, a second year medical student, was selected chairperson-elect of the American Society of Anesthesiologists medical student delegation at its recent meeting in Orlando.
Student's abstract accepted for publication
Sean Lindstedt, Class of 2011, had his abstract entitled, "Prolonged QTc in sickle cell disease: a potential risk factor for early death?" accepted for presentation at the American Society of Hematology's annual conference in December as well as for publication in Blood, the seminal journal for hematology.
Faculty
Nussbaum to head division of child psychiatry
Larry Nussbaum, M.D., professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, was named head of the department’s division of child psychiatry in Reno.
School of Medicine adds specialty internists in Reno
The University of Nevada School of Medicine announces the addition of two specialty internists to the internal medicine department in Reno. The physicians will teach medical students and practice under University Health System, the clinical practice of the School of Medicine. Quang Nguyen, D.O., who specializes in endocrinology, and Bahar Sumbul-Yuksel, M.D., a rheumatologist, bring their expertise. Read more
Bloch appears as webinar guest speaker
Michael Bloch, M.D., associate professor of internal medicine, was a guest speaker on the webinar "Overcoming Barriers to Improved Cardiometabolic Health in Minorities", sponsored in part by Harvard Medical School.
Passalacqua appointed medical director; publishes with Spogen
Brian Passalacqua, M.D., assistant professor of family and community medicine, was appointed medical director of the Family Medicine Clinic in Reno. He and Daniel Spogen, M.D., department chair, published in the Family Practice Inquiries Network under the topic, "Is eating sushi safe in pregnancy?"
Stumpf paper accepted for presentation
Paul G. Stumpf, M.D., professor and chair of obstetrics and gynecology, delivered a podium presentation of his research paper "The perceived barriers to patient safety improvements in obstetrics and gynecology, and OB/GYN's beliefs about mandated reporting of adverse outcomes" at the Second National Ambulatory Primary Care Research and Education Conference on Patient Safety and Health Information Technology. It is sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality last month in Washington, D.C.
Pediatric allergy abstract selected for presentation
Nevin Wilson, M.D., chair of the pediatrics department (Reno), announces that the department's paper, "Effect of evaporative (swamp) coolers on skin test sensitivity to dust mites and molds in a desert environment" was accepted for presentation at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology's 2008 annual meeting this month in Seattle.
Physician, surgeon receive geriatrics grant
Diane Chau, M.D., geriatrician and assistant professor of internal medicine, and Patricia May, M.D., with the surgery department, are recipients of the Geriatrics Education for Specialty Residents Program grant with support from the John A. Hartford Foundation.
The program provides funding for specialty-specific initiatives from academic training centers to develop, initiate and evaluate programs designed to increase education for residents in geriatrics. Drs. May and Chau will begin a Web-based curriculum for new surgery residents, conduct weekly bedside co-management rounds and begin didactics and case discussions as part of the educational program designed to improve the amount and quality of geriatric education received by surgical residents.
Nguyen published in Federal Practitioner
Quang Nguyen, D.O., an endocrinologist and assistant professor in the internal medicine department, has an article entitled "New and Emerging Therapeutic Options for Diabetes" in this month's Federal Practitioner, a monthly and peer-reviewed clinical journal for physicians, clinical pharmacists, advanced NP, and medical center administrators working for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense and the Public Health Service.
Packham recognized for leadership role
John Packham, Ph.D., director of the Nevada Rural Hospital Flexibility Program at the Center for Education and Health Services Outreach at the School of Medicine, was given the Nevada Public Health Leader of the Year Award at the annual meeting of Nevada Public Health Association (NPHA) in Las Vegas last month.
The award was given in recognition of effective, motivational and uncommon leadership on public health issues in Nevada. Packham is president of the NPHA.
Magazine recognizes school physicians, surgeons
Las Vegas Woman recognized several School of Medicine faculty in the October/November issue of "Las Vegas Best Doctors." Several physicians and surgeons appear on the list. Annabel Barber, M.D., is one of four women physicians featured on the magazine's cover.
St. Jeor inivted to sit on subcommittee, review group
Sachiko St. Jeor, Ph.D., professor and chief of the Division of Medical Nutrition and director, Center for Nutrition and Metabolism in the internal medicine department, was invited to serve as a member of the Health, Behavior and Context Subcommittee and NIH Study Section Review Group for the next four years.
The committee serves in an advisory capacity to the director of the NIH and director of the NICHD for the institute's broad programs and activities for addressing the relationships among health, health-related behavior and environmental processes, conditions and contexts.
Team-based learning workshop, Nov. 17
The Office of Faculty Affairs and Development will co-sponsor, along with the Orvis School of Nursing, a workshop on team-based learning on Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon in Reno, Pennington 20 and again from 1 to 4 p.m. in Pennington 20 with pictel to the Las Vegas dean’s conference room. Guest speaker is Frazier Stevenson, M.D., director of education development at the UC Davis School of Medicine, who will discuss techniques for teaching in large groups using discussion and teamwork without the need for multiple discussion leaders and breakout sessions. RSVP by email or call 775-784-6777.
New hires, promotions and recognitions
Gebhart promoted to billing supervisor
University Health System announces the promotion of Lacy Gebhard to billing supervisor in Reno. A five-year employee with the practice plan, Gebhard brings knowledge regarding insurance and collections and will be a great asset in her new position.
School Notes
Six graduate medical education programs earn accreditation
Six School of Medicine graduate medical education programs earned continued full accreditation status from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). "This is a great tribute to time put in by the program directors, the department chairs and the hard work of faculty and residents alike," said Miriam Bar-on, M.D., associate dean for graduate medical education and professor of pediatrics.
In Las Vegas, the plastic surgery residency program was reaccredited for the maximum of five years, as was the sports medicine fellowship. Also in Las Vegas, the internal medicine program was reaccredited for four years for the first time and the newly established medical oncology fellowship received accreditation, which will matriculate its first training class in July 2010.
In Reno, the child psychiatry fellowship received the maximum five years in reaccreditation, while the geriatrics fellowship was reaccredited for three years.
Several other programs are awaiting decisions from the ACGME.
November Student Outreach Clinic dates announced
The University of Nevada School of Medicine Student Outreach Clinics for Nov. 2008 were announced for the following dates: general health clinic, Saturday, Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. to noon; children’s clinic, Saturday, Nov. 8 from 8 a.m. to noon; women’s clinic, Monday, Nov. 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. Read more
Free elder care training offered in rural communities
The Sanford Center for Aging, Nevada Cooperative Extension and the Nevada Geriatric Education Center (a joint program between the Sanford Center for Aging and the University of Nevada School of Medicine) will hold a series of free workshops on caring for elders in Tonopah, Silver Springs and Wadsworth this month. Read more
Medicine and humanities continuing education, Nov. 11
A special continuing education opportunity will be offered Nov. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Renown Health Center, Classroom 107. Join authors James Morrow, City of Truth and Anne Sexton, The Wall for discussion facilitated by Susan Palwick, Ph.D., associate professor of English at the University of Nevada, Reno and adjunct clinical professor at the School of Medicine. Light dinner will be provided.
Literature and Medicine: Humanities at the Heart of Healthcare® is a program developed by Maine Humanities Council. It encourages participants to connect the worlds of science and lived experience, giving them the opportunity to reflect on their professional roles and relationships through plays, short stories, poetry, fiction and personal narratives in a setting where they can share their reflections with colleagues. This program is brought to Nevada by Humanities and Ethics at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, Renown Health, and Nevada Humanities.
RSVP by email to Karissa Loper or call 775-682-8393.
History of Medicine annual dinner, Nov. 24
The History of Medicine Program at the School of Medicine will hold its annual dinner and lecture on Nov. 24 at the Eldorado Hotel and Casino in Reno. John Marschall will talk on Jews in Nevada with an emphasis on Jewish doctors. Marschall will also sign his new book, Jews in Nevada, which will be available for purchase at the dinner. Marschall is professor emeritus at the University of Nevada, Reno in the history department. The dinner and talk are open to the public. Tickets are $35 and reservations can be made by calling Lynda McLellan at 775-784-4068.
NGEC presents nutrition and aging workshop
The Nevada Geriatric Education Center, a joint program of the School of Medicine and the Sanford Center for Aging, presents a two-day series of free workshops on nutrition and aging at the University of Nevada, Reno on Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon.
The workshops includes interactive video training on nutrition, health literacy and aging, a discussion on research opportunities in nutrition and aging, a nutrition fair and a presentation on nutrition, obesity and longevity.
Call 775-682-8470 for locations and registration. The workshop is held in partnership with the Division of Medical Nutrition, the Center for Nutrition and Metabolism, the School of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine, and the Gerontology Academic Program.
Reid visits community medicine class
Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., stopped by David Fiore, M.D.’s class on community medicine and healthcare policy class on Oct. 13 to discuss health care policy and the current political environment with first and second-year students.
Alumnus recognized with Scully Praeceptor Carissimus Award
The School of Medicine awarded Hervé Bezard, M.D., a family practitioner with Family Doctors of Boulder City the Thomas J. Scully Praeceptor Carissimus Award for 2008. Bezard is a 1985 graduate of the school.
Call for 2008 employee of the year award nominations
The School of Medicine is calling for nominations for the 2008 Classified Employee of the Year Award to be anounced at the dean’s holiday party in Dec. Nominations must be received by Nov. 7. Submit nominations by email to Luci Young.
School hosts Japanese director for education research
The School of Medicine hosted Nobuo Nara, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Center for Education Research in Medicine and Dentistry at Tokyo Medical and Dental University in Oct. Nara met with the faculty of the Offices of Medical Education and Admissions and Student Affairs to learn more about the curriculum in U.S. medical schools.
Recommended to visit the School of Medicine because of its outstanding simulation and standardized patient programs, Nara also looked at the medical schools at UC San Diego and Stanford. The mission of the Center for Education Research in Medicine and Dentistry is to define new curriculum for all medical schools in Japan. The center is also establishing computer-based testing and OSCEs to measure learning outcomes at the medical and dental schools.
Status of LCME accrediation visit
Visit the School of Medicine Web site for an update on the progress of the LCME accreditation visit in 2009.
State job openings at the School of Medicine
Visit the University of Nevada, Reno Web site for a current list of state jobs at the University of Nevada School of Medicine.
In This Edition
Medical Education
Bierkamper Convocation call for abstracts
Phillips selected as chairperson-elect
Student's abstract accepted for publication
Faculty
Nussbaum to head division of child psychiatry
School adds specialty internists in Reno
Bloch appears as webinar guest speaker
Passalacqua appointed medical director; publishes with Spogen
Stumpf paper accepted for publication
Pediatric allergy abstract selected for presentation
Physician, surgeon receive geriatrics grant
Nguyen published in Federal Practitioner
Packham recognized for leadership role
Magazine recognizes school physicians, surgeons
St. Jeor invited to sit on subcommittee, review group
Team-based learning workshop, Nov. 17
New hires,promotions and recognitions
Gebhart promoted to billing supervisor
School Notes
Six graduate medical education programs earn accreditation
November Student Outreach Clinic dates announced
Free elder care training offered in rural comunities
Medicine and humanities CE opportunity, Nov. 11
History of Medicine annual dinner, Nov. 24
NGEC presents nutrition and aging workshop
Reid visits community medicine class
Alumnus recognized with Thomas J. Scully Praeceptor Carissimus award
Call for 2008 employee of the year nominations
School hosts Japanese director for education research
Status of LCME accrediation visit
Past Editions 2008
Inside Nevada Medicine is a service of the Office of Health Science Communications, University of Nevada School of Medicine and is published monthly. Faculty, staff, residents and students are encouraged to submit items of school-wide interest to Editor Anne McMillin for publication. Deadline is the 20th of the month prior to publication. Copyright 2008 University of Nevada School of Medicine.