Media Reports
February 2000 - September 1998

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February, 2000

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JAMA Salutes U-M Medical School anniversary

February was a big month for the U-M Medical School in the media, as the world-renowned Journal of the American Medical Association dedicated an entire issue to contributions from U-M authors in honor of the school's 150th anniversary. The UMHS media team worked with the sesquicentennial staff and the individual authors to prepare press releases and fact sheets as well as a Web site and numerous other communications vehicles for a variety of audiences.

The tremendous coverage that resulted from this all-out media blitz can be seen here, or you can read all of the papers, press releases and other materials at our JAMA Web site, www.med.umich.edu/JAMA.

Juvenile Diabetes Foundation center opens

Later in February, a special event brought together researchers, philanthropists and media to announce the founding of a new Juvenile Diabetes Foundation center on diabetes complications. The new $6.6 million center, which will be housed within the respected Michigan Diabetes Research & Training Center, will explore promising techniques to prevent the terrible toll that diabetes often takes on eyes, nerves, limbs, hearts and kidneys. Media coverage of the center announcement allowed U-M to once again spotlight the importance of research in this area

Voorhees featured on NBC

Voorhees on NBC John Voorhees, chair of Dermatology and a noted expert on the effects of sunlight on skin, was featured on national broadcast and cable TV in an NBC report on wrinkling and other skin aging issues. Voorhees discussed his team's research on the microscopic effects that ultraviolet light can cause in skin's cellular structure, and the ways that such damage can be prevented.

Media Coverage

Cancer

Fighting cancer by lowering copper levels; George Brewer, MD and Sofia Merajver, MD, Detroit Free Press 2/1, WOR AM New York 2/10, Detroit News 2/1, JAMA Quick Uptakes 2/23, New England Cable News 2/23, Staten Island Advance 2/6, Omaha World-Herald 2/2

GM Chief has bone marrow transplant, Jamie Ferrara, MD, New York Times 2/3

Cardiology

Electron beam computerized tomography heart test; Melvyn Rubenfire, MD, Detroit Free Press 2/5, Associated Press 2/5, Herald-Palladium (MI) 2/6

U-M joins other hospitals In improving cardiac care; Mauro Moscucci, MD, WJR AM Detroit 2/22

Women's health dilemmas Lori Mosca, MD Time magazine 2/7

Heart defect causes young athletes' deaths; Robert Kiningham, MD, Ann Arbor News 2/9

Bypass surgery patient and new guidelines; Kim Eagle, MD, Hour (Norwalk CT) 2/22

Cell biology

Fibronectin peptide triggers cancer metastasis; Donna Livant, Ph.D., Ann Arbor News 2/17, Biotechnology News 2/17

Complementary & Alternative Medicine

Be cautious when taking herbs (HealthMinute); Steven Bolling, MD, KVVU Ch. 5 Las Vegas 2/1

South American shamans visit U-M; News & Observer (NC) 2/24

Dermatology

Skin aging caused by sun exposure; John Voorhees, M.D, NBC Nightly News 2/3, MSNBC Newsfront 2/4, MSNBC Morning Line 2/5, MSNBC Crosstalk 2/7

Genetics

U-M genetics pioneer James Neel dies; Allen Lichter, M.D and Gilbert Omenn, MD, Ph.D.; Ann Arbor News 2/2, Detroit News 2/3, Detroit Free Press 2/2, New York Times 2/3, Washington Post 2/2, Los Angeles Times 2/4

National policy on genetic discrimination; Wendy Uhlmann, MD, New York Times 2/9

Health/Wellness

Seasonal affective disorder (HealthMinute); Sheila Marcus, MD, WFSB TV Hartford 2/6, UniSci 2/2, WXYZ TV Ch. 7 Detroit 2/11

Excess sugar in US diet (Health minute); Kathy Goldberg, RD, WXYZ TV Ch. 7 Detroit 2/13

Children should have blood pressure checked regularly (HealthMinute/Ivanhoe); Joseph Flynn, MD, WHBQ Ch. 13 Memphis 2/4, WJRT Ch. 12 Flint MI 2/7, WPTV W. Palm Beach 2/16, WFSB Ch. 3 Hartford 2/8, KQCA Sacramento 2/9, KTNV Ch. 13 LasVegas 2/10

Safety in child car seats; Kathleen Weber, MD, Chicago Sun-Times 2/10, WebMD 2/9, New York Times 2/9, Centre Daily Times (PA) 2/10, U.S. Auto Scene 2/14, New Haven Register 2/10, Daily Gazette (IL) 2/11, Harrison Daily Times 2/10, St. Petersburg Times 2/10

Recognizing sinusitis; Jeffrey Terrell, MD, Prevention magazine Feb., Sunday Sports Times 2/13

Recipes that are good for you; Lizzie Burt, M-FIT, Women's Healthstyle, Feb.

Infectious Disease

Fake nails spread bacteria; Shelly McNeil, MD WREG Ch. 3 Memphis 2/22, Willamantic (CT) Chronicle 2/1

Internal Medicine

Juvenile Diabetes Foundation center opens at U-M; Doug Greene, MD, Eva Feldman, MD, Allen Lichter, MD; Detroit News 2/23, Ann Arbor News 2/23, Michigan Daily 2/22, 24, WXYZ Ch. 7 Detroit 2/23, 26, WEYI, Ch. 25 Flint 2/19, Associated Press (regional) 2/23, Detroit Free Press 2/24, WJRT Ch. 12 Flint 2/24, Monroe Evening News 2/29

Internet Medicine

Doctors, patients grapple with inaccurate health info On Web (panel); Jack Billi, MD, Healthcare Weekly Review 1/26

Study finds inaccuracies in online health information; Sybil Biermann, MD, Healthcare Informatics, Feb.

Study of e-mail use by doctors and patients; David Stern, MD, Steven Katz, MD, Orthopedics Today, Feb.

M-CARE

M-CARE Women in Detroit-area healthcare leadership; Zelda Geyer-Sylvia, MPH, Crain's Detroit Business 2/28

Medical School

JAMA issue salutes U-M
Click here to see a list of media coverage!

Medical Professional Issues

Medical mistakes; Lloyd Jacobs, MD, Michigan Daily 2/10, Detroit News 2/6

Value of osteopathy; Joel Howell, MD, PBS Healthweek 2/6

Doctors and unions; Susan Hershberg Adelman, MD, Detroit Free Press op/ed 2/7

Physician performance comparisons; Timothy Hofer, MD, Business & Health, Feb.

Microbiology & Immunology

Standardizing the mammalian cell cycle; Stephen Cooper, Ph.D., ASM News, Feb.

Nutrition

Aspartame; Kathy Goldberg, RD, WJBK Ch. 2 Detroit, 2/10

Obstetrics/Gynecology

Multiple birth program (Connection section cover); Barbara Luke, MD, Ann Arbor News 2/2

Female urinary incontinence (health section cover); Denise Howard, MD, Detroit News 2/22

Alternatives to hysterectomy (Healthminute); Gregory Christman WYOU TV Scranton 2/27, WWMT TV Grand Rapids 2/28

Operations/Administration

Plan for Life Sciences Institute Buildings; Robert Kasdin (U-M Financial officer); Ann Arbor News 2/17

Life Sciences Corridor planning meeting; Associated Press, 2/17

Survival Flight reduces noise; Ann Arbor News, 2/6

Detroit-area hospitals see earnings plunge; Crain's Detroit Business, 2/28

Otolaryngology

Parents should be alert to infants' hearing (HealthMinute); Paul Kileny, Ph.D., UniSci 2/7, WJBK TV Detroit 2/11, WWMT Ch. 2 Gr. Rapids 2/14, Daily News (Iron Mtn. MI) 2/11, Times-Herald (GA) 2/2

Pediatrics

Doctor researches pediatric health issues; Sheila Gahagan, MD, Ann Arbor News, 2/10

People

African Americans reach high levels of Detroit health care; Larry Warren, M.S., Detroit Free Press (p.1) 2/21

Profile: doctors labor organizer Susan Hershberg Adelman, MD; American Medical News, 2/28

White House fellows discuss their experience; Sanjay Gupta, MD, U.S. Medicine, 2/1

Psychiatry

Depression in animals; Randolph Nesse, M.D., U.S. News & World Report, 2/14

Rheumatology

Preventing arthritis; David Fox, MD, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2/3, San Bernardino County Sun 2/2, Herald Dispatch (WV) 2/13

Surgery

Neurosurgeon leads charity surgery trip to Guatemala; Nick Boulis, MD, Ann Arbor News 2/7

Leeches used in plastic surgery; Paul Cederna, MD, WNEM Flint Saginaw 2/15

Technology

Bioartificial kidney shows promise; David Humes, MD, Knowledge TV, 2/25

December 1999 - January 2000

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Copper & cancer

A paper in Clinical Cancer Research by George Brewer, MD and Sofia Merajver, MD attracted significant media attention and numerous patient calls, as the researchers reported on one of the first preliminarily successful clinical trials of an anti-angiogenesis cancer therapy. Using a compound, tetrathiomolybdate, that Brewer had previously developed to combat the excess-copper disorder Wilson's disease, the team successfully stopped the progression of late-stage metastatic cancer in a small group of patients. The mechanism underlying the therapy - starving tumors of the copper they need to form new blood vessels - does not seem to produce any side effects. Media coverage included numerous health Web sites, medicine and cancer publications, and newswires. Other major media are tracking the research for future coverage. In preparation for the large number of patient calls that resulted from this coverage, UMHS PR & Marketing established a toll-free phone line for updated information.

HealthMinute turns 1!

The weekly HealthMinute news service, begun in February 1999 to promote consumer health news from the U-M and spread important public health messages, approached its first birthday with a succession of widely used stories. From geriatric back pain and eye surgery to holiday stress tips and the caution needed when taking herbal remedies, recent HealthMinutes appeared locally and nationally on TV, the Web and in newspapers. Each story is sent to media in the Michigan-Ohio-Indiana region and select national outlets as a press releases written by UMHS media relations staff, and, if appropriate, video footage on the same topics.

TV health news services film at UMHS

December and January began to show the results of late-fall visits by two of the most prominent TV health news services, Medstar and Ivanhoe. UMHS PR staff worked closely with producers for both companies to select story ideas and coordinate interviews with U-M experts. The stories, which are used by TV stations around the nation to supplement their own coverage, began appearing in December. Topics included childhood hypertension, the use of e-mail by doctors, inflammatory breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease prevention.

Media Coverage

Allergy

Carmine food dye warning; James Baldwin, MD, WHDH-TV NBC Ch.7 12/15, Technology Review Jan. issue, New York Times 1/11, WDIV Ch. 4 Detroit 12/14

Allergy death investigation; Charles Watts, M.D., Ann Arbor News 1/24

Nanobiology research; James Baker, MD, Newsweek 1/1

Cancer

Fighting cancer by lowering copper levels; George Brewer, MD and Sofia Merajver, MD, Ann Arbor News 1/21, AMA Health Insight 1/31, Preview Oncology (web) 1/27, Discovery health (web) 1/26, St. Louis Post Dispatch 1/20, Boston Globe 1/21, Science Daily (web) 1/21, Reuters Newswire 1/20, Associated Press regional 1/21, UniSci (web) 1/21, Wired News 1/24, WebMD (web) 1/25, Reuters Health 1/25, Yahoo! News (web) 1/25, WBZ-TV Ch. 4 Boston 1/26, WMAQ-TV Ch 5 Chicago 1/20, KRLA-AM/CBS Los Angeles 1/24, WBZ-TV Ch 4 Boston 1/26, Kalamazoo Gazette 1/23, Trenton (NJ) Times, 1/23, Flint Journal, 1/21, Investor's Business Daily 1/27

Popping megavitamins may sabotage chemotherapy; Martha DeRoeck, R.D. Ann Arbor News 12/15

Karmanos cancer center brings mammograms to mall; Raymond Rion, MD and Anne Ferris (Ambulatory Care), Ann Arbor News 12/21, Detroit Free Press 12/29, Associated Press 12/20, Huron Daily Tribune 12/20

Insurer agreement covers clinical trials; Allen Lichter, MD, Newark NJ Star- Ledger 12/17

Inflammatory breast cancer; Sofia Merajver, MD, WXYZ-TV Ch 7 Detroit 12/26, Ch. 25 Flint/Saginaw 12/22

Mt. Clemens and U-M form partnership; Max Wicha, MD, Healthcare Weekly Review 12/15, The Source/Advisor 11/7

Molecular cancer research grants; Samir Hanash, MD, Chronicle of Higher Education 12/7

Trial of interferon-a for angioendothelioma, Laurence Baker, MD, Gene Therapy Weekly, Dec. 13, Angiogenesis Weekly, Dec. 13

Cardiology

Devices used to treat congestive heart failure; Robert Cody, MD, CHF Disease Journal 12/14

Beta Blockers; Bertram Pitt, MD, The Tennessean (TN) 11/30

Bypass patient journey & bypass guidelines; Kim Eagle, MD, Detroit Free Press 1/11, Sun Journal (ME) 1/17, Arizona Republic 1/17, Troy (NY) Record 1/21

HeartMate; Keith Aaronson, MD, Oakland Press 12/8

ACE inhibitor; Keith Aaronson, MD, OnHealth (web) 1/26

Growing a Heart Bypass; Robert Lederman, MD, WXYZ TV Detroit 12/13, Herald-Sun (NC) 1/11

Hypertension; Kenneth Jamerson, MD, MEU/Knowledge TV Cable 1/9, MEU/Knowledge TV Cable 1/3

Cozaar does not improve heart failure survival; Bertram Pitt, MD, Reuters Newswire 11/10, Bloomberg News 11/10

Aggressive cholesterol management; Bertram Pitt, MD Managed Healthcare Jan. issue

Heart disease in women; Lori Mosca, MD, Good Housekeeping Jan. issue

Spironolactone helps heart failure patients; Bertram Pitt, MD, Men's Health, December issue, Facts on File World News Digest

Complementary & Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine gains a foothold ; Steven Bolling, MD, New York Times 1/31

Be cautious when taking herbs (Healthminute); Steven Bolling, MD, WGHP Fox CH 8 Greensboro 1/31, WBRC-TV Ch 6 Birmingham 1/31, KWTV-TV Ch 9, Oklahoma City 1/31, TVVU-TV Ch 5, Las Vegas 2/1, WJBK-TV Ch 2, Detroit 1/30, WGHP-TV Ch 8, Greensboro 1/31, Chelsea Standard 1/27

Dermatology

Topical Retinol can repair/prevent skin aging; John Voorhees, MD, Skin & Allergy News 12/01

Emergency Medicine

Flu season arrives early, but few confirmed cases so far; John Frohna, MD, Ann Arbor News 12/2

Flu impact on UMHS; Dosia Spaeth and Kara Gavin, Ann Arbor News 12/29, Michigan Daily 1/7, Ann Arbor News 1/6

Emergency rooms undergo changes; Jeff Desmond, MD, Ypsilanti Press 12/1

Nitrous oxide canisters found; Herman Gomez , MD, Ann Arbor News 1/14, Ypsilanti Press 1/14

Medical readiness trainer; Dag VonLubitz, Ph.D. and William Barsan, MD, Hospitals & Health Networks Jan. issue, News & Advance (VA) 1/23, Virginian Pilot (VA) 1/14

Family Medicine

POW's may experience post-traumatic growth; Jeffrey Sonis, MD, Sturgis Journal 12/22, New York Times 1/4

Role of family physician in dealing with family violence; E. Eyler, MD and Marian Cohen, ACSW, American Family Physician, Dec.

Genetics

U-M gets $4M to study genetics; Michael Savageau, MD, The Detroit News 12/16, Flint Journal 12/16, Petoskey News-Review 12/16, Jackson Citizen Patriot 12/16

Scientists map genes;Francis Collins, MD, Detroit Free Press 12/2

Profile: he gene hunters; Francis Collins, MD US News & World Report, 1/3-1/10

Human genetics race heats up; Gilbert Omenn, MD, Ph.D., Ann Arbor News 12/9, Ypsilanti Press 12/9

Geriatrics

Exercise for senior citizens; Thomas L. Schwenk, MD, Los Angeles Times 12/6, The Hartford Courant 11/30, Repository (OH) 12/12, Florida Times-Union 12/31, Morning Call-PA 12/26, Hawaii Tribune 11/23, Tri-Valley Herald-CA 12/5, News (Frederick MD) 12/8, Frederick Post -MD 12/8, Pocono Record-PA 12/22, Forum (ND) 11/29, Oakland Tribune (CA) 12/5, Alameda Times-Star 12/5, Bangor Daily News(ME) 12/9, Daily Review (CA) 12/5, Argus (CA) 12/5, Sacramento Bee (CA) 12/5, Dominio Post (WV) 12/1, Sunday Voice (PA) 12/19, Baltimore Sun 1/16, Crescent-News (OH) 1/9, Daily Star (NY) 12/31

Facts and tips on aging and memory loss for seniors; Janet Fogler, MSW, Women's Healthstyle 12/99

Alzheimer's prevention trial; Norman Foster, MD, WXYZ-TV Ch. 7 Detroit 12/6, WCBS-TV Ch 2 New York 12/8, KFOR-TV Ch 2 Oklahoma Ct 12/6, WLOS-TV Ch 13 Greenville 12/12, WGAL-TV Ch 8 Harrisburg 12/9, WFOR-TV Ch 4 Miami 12/13, WCIA-TV Ch.3 Springfield IL 12/15

Geriatric Spine Program (HealthMinute); Ann Christopher, MD, Lansing State Journal 12/16 Northville Record 1/6, WWMT-TV Ch 3 Gr. Rapids 1/2, WWMT-TV Ch 2 Gr. Rapids 1/3, Northville Record 1/6, Novi News 1/6, WYOU-TV Ch 2 Scranton 1/2/0

Depressed elderly prone to disease; Caroline Blaum, MD, Ann Arbor News 12/2, National Journal Group 12/10, Detroit News 11/23, New York Times 12/14

Falls caused by balance disorders; Neil Alexander, MD, Sanilac County Jeffersonian (MI) 12/26

Health Centers

Poorest of patients Losing care options; Zelda Geyer-Sylvia, MPH, Ypsilanti Press 11/29

Report: Hospitals could improve care; William Barsan, MD, Ypsilanti Press 12/2, Ann Arbor News 12/2

U-M to expand East Ann Arbor Health Center; Anne Ferris (Ambulatory care), Ann Arbor News 12/21

UMHS building a new site in Brighton; Sean Kesterson, MD, Healthcare Weekly Review 1/5

U-M cooperates on Ypsilanti school clinic; Sharon Redmer, Ann Arbor News 1/10

Health/Wellness

Group plans to begin first day of new year with prayer; Rev. George Lambrides, Ann Arbor News 12/15

Make holidays less stressful (Health Minute); Peggy Kennedy/M-Fit, Grand Haven Tribune 12/18, Ross Common County Herald-News 12/19, Romeo Observer 12/22, Livonia Observer 12/19, Niles Daily Star 12/24, Monroe Evening News 12/21, WJZ-TV Ch 13 Baltimore 1/25

Excess Sugar in US diet (Health minute); Kathy Goldberg, RD, Sturgis Journal 12/5, Daily News (Iron Mt) 1/5, WSOC/ABC Ch9 Charlotte 1/20, KNTV-TV Ch11 San Jose 1/20, KTRK-TV Ch 13 Houston 1/21, WTVD-TV Ch 11, Raleigh 1/24, WJRT-TV Chn 12 Flint/Saginaw 1/25, Grand Haven Tribune 1/11, Newberry News (WI) 1/5, Lansing State Journal 1/11, Saginaw News 1/31

Great American Smoke Out (HealthMinute); Sharon Sheldon, Tri-City Times 11/1

Improving Public Health in US; Gilbert Omenn, MD, Ph.D., National Public Radio All Things Considered, 1/25

Safety in child car seats; Stuart Wang, MD WTMJ-TV Ch 4 Milwaukee 1/11, WISN-TV Ch 12 Milwaukee 1/11

High Blood Pressure in kids; Joseph Flynn, MD, WLS-TV Ch 7 Chicago 1/31, WPMT-TV Ch 43 Harrisburg 1/26, WTOL-TV Ch 11 Toledo 1/24

Kids talk about GHB, WSPA-TV Ch 7 Greenville 1/27

Recognizing sinusitis (Healthminute); Women's Healthstyle 12/99

Starting a worksite wellness program; Jean DuRussel Weston, RN, MPH, Ypsilanti Chamber of Commerce Business Talk Jan.

Concussion guidelines; Edward Wojtys, MD, Cumberland Times-News (MD) 2/16, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 1/24

Infectious Disease

Fake nails spread bacteria; Shelly McNeil, MD, Times-Picayune 1/2, San Jose Mercury News 1/11, South Bend (IN) Tribune 12/22

Bad blood transfusion; WJBK-TV Ch 2 Detroit 1/16

Internal Medicine

The discovery of insulin was like a miracle; Joel Howell, MD, Healthweek, PBS Network 12/19

Relief from urinary tract infections; Sanjay Saint, MD, Washington Times 11/21, Prevention magazine Dec.

Internet Medicine

Health info on the Web; Sybil Biermann, MD, In Touch Melville, NY 1/15, Sunday Morning Sentinel (ME) 12/19, Dayton (OH) Daily News, 1/31, Fresno (CA) Bee 1/31, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel 12/20

TransWeb website celebrates 5th anniversary; Eleanor Jones, Robert Merion, M.D. UniSci (web) 1/26, Ann Arbor News, 1/26, The Lancet 1/21

Patients email physicians; Dr. Steven Katz, The Wall Street Journal, 12/9, Long Island Business News (NY) 12/8, WCBS-TV Ch 2 (NY 1/4, State Columbia (SC) 12/12, WDAF-TV Ch 4 Kansas City 1/9, KFOR-TV Ch4 Oklahoma City 1/7, WFOR-TV Ch 2 Miami 1/10, KNBC-TV Ch 4 Los Angeles 1/25, Oncology Times, January issue, Fort Worth Star-Telegram 12/16, Minneapolis Star-Tribune 12/27

M-CARE

Medicare HMO answers; Ann Arbor News 12/1, Ypsilanti Press 12/1

Medical Ethics

Reuse of medical products; Susan Goold, MD, PRI Network 12/13, Great Lakes Radio Consortium, Dec.

Medical History

History of immigrant health clinics; Howard Markel, MD, New York Times, 1/11

Medical Professional Issues

Doctors and guidelines; Michael Cabana, MD, Dermatology Times, Dec.

Medical School

Medical School ranked No. 10; Healthcare Weekly Review 12/29

Microbiology & Immunology

Karposi research insight, Press-Enterprise 12/7

Mott Hospital

Harley Club donates to children in Mott hospital; Karen Larson, Ypsilanti Press 12/14, Ann Arbor News 12/14

Children in hospital over holidays; Bay City Times 12/27, Garden City Observer 12/30

Nutrition

High Protein Diets, Kathy Goldberg, RD, Monroe Evening News 1/5

Obstetrics/Gynecology

Preparing for Y2K babies at U-M; Tim Johnson, MD, Ann Arbor News 12/20

Osteoporosis; Barbara Luke, MD, Sanilac County News 12/29

Alternatives to Hysterectomy (Healthminute); Elisabeth Quint, MD, Monroe Evening News 12/14, Houghton Lake Reporter 12/16, Farmington Observer 12/12, Chelsea Standard 12/9, WXYZ-TV Detroit 1/21

Reducing multiple births; Gregory Christman, MD, Healthcare Weekly Review 1/19

Estrogen Therapy (Healthminute); Rudi Ansbacher, MD, WUAB-TV Cleveland 1/23, WWMT-TV Gr. Rapids 1/24, WBBM-TV Ch 2 Chicago 1/24, KWTV-TV Ch 9 Oklahoma 1/24, KMOV-TV Ch 4 St. Louis 1/24

Removing ovaries before cancer treatment; WXYZ-TV Detroit 12/19

Operations/Administration

Some doctors turning to unions; Martin Hurwitz, MD, Leffrey Leflein, MD, Ypsilanti Press 11/29, Ann Arbor News, Washington Post 12/2

Medical science building expansion; Allen Lichter, MD, Gilbert Omenn, MD, Ph.D., Ann Arbor News 1/21, Ypsilanti Press 1/21, Michigan Daily 1/21

Top salaries at UM; Ann Arbor News 1/22, Michigan Live (web) 1/22, Michigan Daily (web) 1/24, AP Regional Wires 1/23

UMHHC finishes 1999 in black; Healthcare Weekly Review 12/29

UMMC in Top 10; Healthcare Weekly Review 12/29

Getting ready for Y2K at U-M; Tom Biggs, Dosia Spaeth, Ann Arbor News 12/19

Y2K events at UMHS including Y2K babies; Kara Gavin, WDIV Ch. 4 Detroit 1/1, Michigan Daily 1/7, Ann Arbor News 1/1

Mercy ranked among top 100; Mike Harrision, Ann Arbor News 12/14

New bioinformatics program; Michael Savageau, Ph.D., Associated Press 12/16

Detroit hospitals bleeding financially; Crain's Detroit Business 12/6

Ophthalmology

Eye surgery options; Alan Sugar, MD, Ann Arbor News 12/9

Corneal ring procedure (Healthminute); Alan Sugar, MD, WWMT-TV Ch 3 Gr. Rapids 1/17, Marcellus News 1/20, WWMT-TV Ch 2 Gr. Rapids 1/17, WTKR-TV Ch 3 Norfolk 1/17

Otolaryngology

Vocal Health program profile; Norman Hogikyan, M.D., Ann Arbor News 1/26

Narrow-band frequency noises research; Li Xu, Ph.D., Popular Mechanics 12/99

Pathology

Don't Die (lifespan research); Richard Miller, Ph.D., Wired magazine, Jan. issue

Pediatrics

Following physician orders; Barbara Felt, MD, American Medical News 12/20

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Post Polio Syndrome; Leslie Leicht, MD, News Sentinal (IN) 1/28

Carpal Tunnel tests may not be reliable; Deborah Salerno, Ph.D., Robert Werner, MD, New York Times 12/7, Prevention magazine, Jan., Washington Times, 12/19

Chiari syndrome; Marcia Sakowski, PT, ABC 20/20 1/26

Spirituality's role in healing; Theodore Cole, MD, Paraplegia News, Dec.

Psychiatry

Alcoholism research At U-M (Q&A article); Kirk Brower, MD, Ann Arbor News 1/30

Radiation Oncology

New radiation treatment methods look promising; James Balter, Ph.D, Detroit News 12/12, Kalamazoo Gazette 12/13, East Valley Tribune (AZ) 1/3, News-Alpena 12/18, Ann Arbor News 12/14, Daily Southtown (IL) 1/4, Detroit News/Free Press 12/12, Saginaw News 12/16, Associated Press 12/12

Radiology

High-tech medical imaging; Joel Platt, M.D. CBS Marketwatch 1/26

New MRI instruments; Scott Swanson, Research & Development magazine, 1/25

MRI for Spinal Cord Injury; MEU/Knowledge TV (cable) 1/25

Rheumatology

Fibromyalgia management; David Fox, MD, AARP Bulletin 11/99

Arthritis prevention; David Fox, MD, Detroit News - Health & Fitness 1/11

Surgery

Do liver recipients really require steroids?; Jeffrey Punch, MD, Gastoenterology & Endoscopy News11/99

Husband/Wife kidney transplant; Robert Fontana, MD, Chaplain George Lambridges, Detroit Free Press 1/25

Hip replacement; Andrew Freiberg, MD, Grand Forks Herald (ND) 11/30, Austin (TX) American-Statesman, 12/3

Sex life improves after hysterectomy; Caroline Blaum, MD, The Santa Fe New Mexican 11/26

Bone marrow transplant, Ken Cooke, MD, WTVG Ch. 13 Toledo 12/21

Technology

Keeping pace with state-of-the art techniques; Theodore Cole, MD, Paraplegia News 12/99

October/November 1999

Highlights
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The Internet's impact on medicine was a top topic for U-M Health System media coverage during October and November, as numerous publications and broadcast outlets covered two landmark studies by UMHS researchers. Sybil Biermann, M.D., of Orthopaedic Surgery, and her colleagues continued to receive attention for their study of accuracy in health information on the World Wide Web. Meanwhile, Steven Katz, M.D. and David Stern, M.D., of General Medicine were widely featured for their report on the prevalence of e-mail use among patients and physicians, part of their ongoing assessment of Intel's E-MAIL system for patient-physician communication over the Internet.

Survival Flight, UMHS's airborne emergency team, garnered a national excellence award and positive publicity after taking top honors from the Association of Air Medical Services. The dedicated ground and air crews were featured in a much-publicized "sweeps" segment on WXYZ-TV in Detroit, as well as in other media reports.

Student health news was a major focus during this period, as U-M physicians handled a rash of students who fell ill after taking the "rave drug" GHB, and coped with the case of a student with viral meningitis. Both stories received tremendous local and regional media attention, which served to inform students and the community about the dangers of GHB, and the symptoms and preventive measures for different forms of meningitis.

Doctors and guidelines were the focus of two stories that received good press attention this fall. Michael Cabana, M.D., of Pediatrics, published a study in JAMA on the reasons that doctors don't follow guidelines, based on research he did while in his former position at Johns Hopkins. Meanwhile, Kim Eagle, M.D., interim chief of cardiology, was lead author of a new set of national guidelines for bypass surgery - a document that will help cardiologists and patients decide together which approach is best for individual cases.

Fake fingernails, and the risk of infection from the bacteria they may harbor, earned widespread media notice in October after Shelly McNeil, M.D., a third-year fellow in Infectious Disease, presented a study of nurses' artificial nails at a conference.

Media Coverage

Listed by subject, spokesperson, media outlet and date of report.

Cancer

Breaking new ground for breast cancer treatment; Anne Schott, M.D., Women's HealthStyle

Surviving bone cancer; Sybil Biermann, M.D., WXYZ Ch. 7 10/1, Coping with Cancer 10/99

Dealing with the emotions of cancer; Michelle B. Riba, M.D., Coping with Cancer 10/99

Inflammatory breast cancer gene found at U-M; Sofia Merajver, M.D., Channel 7 10/5, Medstar TV 11/9, Applied Genetics News 10/99

Candlelighting ceremony for cancer survivors; Maxine Solvay, Channel 2 10/1

NCI grant for cancer biomarkers; Samir Hanash, M.D., Ann Arbor News 10/14

U-M cancer doctors battle risks of bone marrow transplants; James Ferrara, M.D., Joseph Umberti, M.D., Michigan Daily 10/11, Ann Arbor News 10/14

Midland girl treated for leukemia at U-M; Dennis Hughes, M.D., Midland Daily News 11/15

Bobbie Anderson, 1-year old Jackson resident, has bone marrow transplant; Cindy Bower, RN, Jackson Citizen patriot 11/22

U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center profile; Max Wicha, M.D., Michigan Health Care News 11/26

Prostate cancer; Kathleen Cooney, M.D., Good Housekeeping 10/99

BMT for breast cancer; Allen Lichter, M.D., The New York Times 10/3

Cancer "smart-bombs" could revolutionize cancer care; James R. Baker, Jr. M.D., Associated Press 10/18

U-M starts trial of gene therapy for angioendothelioma, Laurence Baker, MD, Bioworld Today, 11/24

Prostate cancer vaccine looks promising; Martin Sanda, MD, The Lancet, 10/30

Surgery is not the only option for prostate cancer; Mark Moyad, MPH, Marcellus (MI) News, 11/11

Cardiology

New bypass surgery guidelines developed; Kim Eagle, M.D., Ann Arbor News 10/7, Thrive (web site) 10/1, Report on Medical Guidelines & Outcomes, 10/5, KCSN radio, CA 11/2,

Merck's Cozaar fails in critical contest with standard heart-failure drugs; Bertram Pitt, M.D., The Wall Street Journal 11/11, Channel 5 (Dallas) 11/1, Reuters 11/10, Dow Jones 11/10, Bloomberg Business News 11/10, Dallas TX Morning News 11/15, Tennessean 11/30

Use of cholesterol-lowering drugs not widespread enough; Bertram Pitt, M.D., Ann Arbor News 10/12, USA Today 11/22, The Gazette 11/1, Detroit Free Press

Drugs may spare patients from angioplasty; Bertram Pitt, M.D., Sun-Sentinel (FL) 10/24, Chicago Tribune 10/17, Orlando Sentinel 10/24, Bergen County (NJ) Record 11/1, Australian AP 10/22

Spironolactone helps heart failure patients; Brown Univ. Long-Term Care Quality Advisor, 10/1, Drug Topics, 11/1

U-M researcher: many heart patients may be misdiagnosed; Bradley Knight, Ph.D, Ann Arbor News 10/28, Medical Malpractice Law & Strategy, Nov.

Angiogenesis trial for bypass; Robert Lederman, MD, Gene Therapy Weekly, 11/1

Boost potassium to lower risk during heart surgery; Joyce Wahr, M.D., Prevention Magazine, 11/99

Complementary & Alternative Medicine

Shamans visit U-M; Sara Warber, M.D., Chicago Tribune 10/11,

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research Center to combat cardiovascular disease; Steven Bolling, M.D., Crawford County Avalanche 10/7

Alternative medicine in Medical School curriculum; Rita Benn (CAMRC educator), Michigan Health Care News 12/23

Emergency Medicine

Survival Flight wins national award/profile of SF; Denise Landis, Kris Nelson, RN, Channel 7 11/4, Ann Arbor News 11/6, Ypsilanti Press 11/6, Michigan Daily 11/6, Healthcare Weekly Review 11/24,

U-M students, others sent to ED for GHB effects; Hernan Gomez, M.D.; Ann Arbor News 10/1, Detroit Free Press 10/2, Detroit News 10/2, Associated Press 10/2, WWJ Radio (AM 950), 10/2 Monroe Evening News 10/2, Sturgis Journal 10/2, Ionia Sentinel Standard 10/4, Kalamazoo Gazette 10/1, Commercial News (Three Rivers), 10-2

Boy hit by car, recovers at UM PICU; Fox 2 - 10/27

Woman comes to ED after collapsing at car-marathon contest; ER staff, Neuro ICU staff, Channel 2 11/24

Bomb drill aims to prepare Ann Arbor-area ambulance service and hospitals; Sam Jessie, Ann Arbor News 10/11, Michigan Daily, WAAM,

Thirteen workers at factory treated and released for exposure to undetermined substance; Kara Gavin Channel 2 11/12, Channel 4, Channel 7, Channel 50, Associated Press, Ann Arbor News,

Family Practice

Common gynecological Conditions: How family Doctors diagnose and treat; Barbara S. Apgar, M.D., Orlando Sentinel 10/7

Family doctors need to know more about Human Genome Project; Michael D. Fetters, M.D., Gene Therapy Weekly 10/11

Genetics

Locksmith of our DNA (Human Genome Project); Francis Collins, M.D., Detroit Free Press 10/19

Mice with high anxiety; Audrey F. Seasholtz, Ph.D., Washington Post 10/11

Microbes: a deadly serious game of hide and seek; Erle Robertson, UPI 11/16, Dallas Morning News 11/22, Business Week, 11/29, Orlando Sentinel 11/28

Role of genetics in development of diabetes; James Neel, Ph.D., New Scientist, 11/13

Geriatrics

Effect of VA cuts on geriatric care; Jeffrey Halter, M.D., Montgomery Advertiser 10/99

Genetic studies of dwarf mice lend clues to aging process; Richard Miller, M.D., Ph.D, CBS Evening News 10/25, New York Times 11/18,WKMG TV (Orlando) 11/02

Flu shots offered to local seniors; Karen Sernett, WAAM Radio 10/15

Older adults use different area of the brain for memory tasks; Anat Geva, Ph.D., Ann Arbor News 10/28

Geriatrics center honors seniors for volunteer work; Ann Arbor News 10/15

Seniors need exercise; Thomas Schwenk, M.D., Associated Press 11/18, Newsday NY 11/21, Hartford (CT) Courant 11/30, The Macomb Daily 11/21, Hawaii Tribune-Herald, 11/23, Forum (ND) 11/29

Health Centers

Teen clinic begins at Chelsea Internal Medicine Specialists; Rebecca Patrias, M.D., Chelsea Standard 10/6

Mount Clemens General joins cancer network; Max Wicha, M.D., Detroit News 10/27, Crain's Detroit Business 10/25, The Source/Advisor 11/7, Sterling Heights Source/Advisor, 11/7

Health center planned for Brighton; Sean Kesterson, M.D., Crain's Detroit Business 11/1, Livingston County Press 10/1

Construction begins on Canton Health Center; Detroit News 10/15

Health/Wellness

Eye screenings for diabetics in Pontiac & Detroit; Robin Nwankwo, RD, Detroit Free Press 10/6

Motor Meals celebrates 25 years of delivering healthy meals to Ann Arbor senior citizens; Jo Brown, WAAM Radio 10/6, Ann Arbor News 10/9

Hepatitis C public forum; Anna Lok, M.D., WAAM Radio 10/14

Safe and healthy drinking during the holidays; Teresa Herzog-Mourad, MS, Medstar TV 11/10

Thanksgiving nutrition Tips; Kathy Goldberg, M.S., R.D., Northville Record 10/25, Marilyn Nakamoto, R.D., Daily Tribune 10/25

Quitting smoking; Vic Strecher, MD, Scripps Howard News Service 11/16, Press Journal (FL) 11/17, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 11/18, Houston Chronicle 11/18

Getting ready for the Great American Smokeout; Sharon Sheldon, Tri-City Times (Imlay City MI), 11/17, New Buffalo Times (MI) 11/17

New M-FIT program issue launched in supermarkets; Holly K. Noble; Supermarket News 11/22

HMO's

Defining appropriate care: A matter of provider perspective; Christopher Parrillo (Director of contract reimbursement); Healthcare Executive 10/99

Infectious Disease

U-M study warns nurses fake nails may harbor bacteria; Shelly McNeil, M.D., Detroit Free Press 10/5, Star-Tribune 11/7, The Hearst Corp. 11/1, Reuters, various TV, Washington Post 11/2, WPBF-TV W. Palm 11/15, Bergen County (NJ) Record 10/11, Atlanta Journal-Constitution 10/17, Orlando Sentinel 11/14, Dallas Morning News 10/4, Albany Times Union 11/7, Minneapolis Star Tribune 11/7, The Herald (SC) 11/8, Commercial Appeal (TN) 11/8, Seattle Times 11/14, Orlando Sentinel 11/14

New antibiotic, Zyvox, shows promise; Carol Kauffman, M.D., Detroit News 10/18

Anthrax vaccine controversy; Phil Hanna, Ph.D, Booth Newspapers 11/9

Child with mild bacterial meningitis admitted to U-M; Janet Gilsdorf, M.D., Channel 2 Detroit 11/4, Channel 4 Detroit

University of Michigan Student treated for meningitis; Robert Winfield, M.D., Detroit Free Press 10/22, Michigan Daily 10/19, Channel 2, Channel 4, Channel 7, Channel 50, Ann Arbor News, Detroit News, Associated Press, WWJ Radio (950 AM)

National advisory committee urges college students to get meningitis vaccine; Kara Gavin, Robert Winfield, M.D., Detroit News 10/22, Detroit Free Press 10/20

Internal Medicine

New procedure corrects chronic reflux; Timothy Nostrant, M.D., John Rabine, M.D., Medstar TV 11/11

Profile of Richard Wahl; Richard Wahl, M.D., Medical Imaging Magazine 11/22

Allergies to cochineal food coloring; James Baldwin, M.D. Channel 4 Detroit 11/23

Faster relief for urinary woes; Sanjay Saint, M.D. Family Circle 10/5, Washington Times 11/21

Medical achievements of the 20th century; Joel Howell, MD, Associated Press 11/7

Liver screening test saves money; Fred Askari, MD, Hepatitis Weekly, Nov. 8

Internet Medicine

Medical websites are not all reliable; Sybil Biermann, M.D., Greg Golladay, M.D., Ann Arbor Parent 10/99, Metro Parent Magazine 10/99, WBBM-TV Chicago 10/4, WGN-TV Chicago 10/3 (Morning/Evening News), Metro Parent Magazine 10/99, Orange County (CA) Register 10/4, Marie Claire Magazine 10/21, Ann Arbor News 11/11, The Joint Letter 11/10, KCSN Radio (CA) 11/12, Reuters Health 11/15, Occupational Health 11/22, Management Physicians Financial 10/15, Real Living w/MS 10/1, Pharmaceutical Exec 10/1, Environmental Nutrition 10/1, South Bend Tribune 11/8

Study finds doctors, patients both want e-mail access to one another; Steven Katz, M.D., David Stern, M.D., Reuters 10/12, WAAM Radio 10/15, KCSN Radio (CA), Le Quotidien du Medecin, Internal Medicine World Report, BetterHealth N.Y. 10/13, The Michigan Daily 10/14, Medstar TV 11/9, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 11/11, Health Magazine 11/3, The Lancet, Nov. 6, Portland (OR) Business Journal, 11/19

Medical Professional Issues

D.O.s vs. M.D.s; Joel Heidelbaugh, M.D., Joel Howell, M.D., Oakland Press 11/4, Washington Post 11/4, Scripps Howard News Service 11/4, Associated Press 11/4, The Columbian 11/4, Press Journal (FL) 11/4, Chicago Tribune 11/10

Study examines why some doctors don't follow medical guidelines; Michael Cabana, M.D., The New York Times 11/2, HealthScout 10/20, UniSci 10/20, Health Care Weekly Review 11/17, WWJ Radio, WAAM Radio, Medstar TV 11/8, Healthcare Benchmarks 11/12

Medical mistakes symposium; Marilynn Rosenthal, Ph.D., Ed Goldman, Women's Healthstyle 10/22, Detroit Free Press, Ann Arbor News

Organ transplant rule has doctors worried; Jeremiah Turcotte, M.D., Jeffrey Punch, M.D., Ann Arbor News 10/22, Channel 7 Detroit 10/10, Associated Press 10/26, Oakland Press 10/27, Monroe Evening News 10/26

Nat'l Academy of Sciences issues report on medical mistakes; Lloyd Jacobs, M.D., Channel 4 Detroit 11/30

Impact of medical advertising on patient-physician interaction; Susan Hershberg Adelman, MD, British Medical Journal, Oct. issue

Medical School

U-M medical school celebrating 150 years; Allen Lichter, M.D., The University Record 10/11, Health Care Weekly Review 11/10

Profile of first African-American female Medical School grad: Katherine Louise Crawford (1894), Ann Arbor News 10/25

Federal authorities collect overdue student loans; John Galasso (medical student), Detroit News 10/17, Associated Press 10/17

Neurology

U-M researchers discover tests for carpal tunnel often unreliable; Deborah Salerno, M.D., Ann Arbor News 11/11, The Joint Letter 11/10, KCSN Radio (CA) 11/12, Occupational Health Management 11/22

Trial of Alzheimer's drug on memory problems; Norman Foster, M.D., WWMT-TV CBS 11/10, WJRT-TV ABC 11/9, UniSci 11/8, Medstar TV 11/10

Guidelines for dementia management; Jeoffrey Stross, MD, Medical Post, Sept. 7

Obstetrics/Gynecology

Donor eggs for infertile couples; John Randolph, M.D., Channel 50 10/20

St. Joe's may build own neonatal unit; Larry Warren, Barbara Dubler, RN, Ann Arbor News 11/11, Ypsilanti Press 11/12

Wife of Bloomington, IN Mayor gives birth at U-M; Bloomington Herald Times 11/2

Birthing center profile; Barbara Dubler, RN, Ann Arbor Metro Parent 11/22

Operations/Administration

Life sciences initiative takes shape; Lee Bollinger, Ann Arbor News 10/3

Preventable hospitalizations among Michigan children; Gilbert Omenn, M.D., Ph.D, Booth Newspapers, Kalamazoo Gazette 10/4

Michigan hospitals track down more fathers; Sandra Hoffman, Ann Arbor News 10/9

UMHS medical waste incinerator to be closed; Tony Denton, WEMU Radio 10/99, Waste Treatment Tech News 10/99

Future docs talk union; Allen Lichter, M.D., Crain's Detroit Business 10/18, Ann Arbor News

Reuse of disposable medical items; Susan Dorr Goold, M.D., Great Lakes Radio Consortium 11/22

Unions at UMHS; Ann Arbor News 11/23

Impact of Medicare cuts and budget squeeze on UMHS; Tom Marks, Lloyd Jacobs, Zelda Geyer-Sylvia, M.D., Gilbert Omenn, M.D., Ph.D., Gundy Sweet, Pharm.D., Frank Krupansky, Ann Arbor News 11/29 - 12/1, Michigan Healthcare News

Ophthalmology

U-M ranks 8th in national survey; Paul Lichter, M.D. Ophthalmology Times 10/1

Otolaryngology

Hearing tests for at-risk infants encouraged; Paul Kileny, Ph.D, WEMU Radio 10/20

Pathology

Angiogenesis research on cancer branches out to other diseases; Peter Polverini, DDS, DMSc, American Medical News, 11/29

Pediatrics

Performance enhancers use by teens; David Marshall, M.D., KYW-TV (PA) 10/25, WNEM-TV Flint/Saginaw 10/26, KWTV-TV Oklahoma City 10/25, WWMT-TV Grand Rapids/Kalamazoo, 10/25

Halloween Treats and Tummy aches; Chris Dickinson, M.D., WXYZ Channel 7 10/25, WSYX-TV Columbus 10/30, KOKH-TV Oklahoma City 10/30, CBS Radio Network 10/28

Doctors urge parents to have children's blood pressure monitored; Joseph Flynn, M.D., WBBM-TV Chicago 10/4, WTVF-TV Nashville 10/4, WPEC-TV W. Palm Beach 10/4, WPRI-TV Providence 10/2

Study of terminally/chronically ill children and faith; Sara Pendleton, M.D. Channel 2 Detroit 10/13

When amoxicillin fails; Richard Linsk, M.D., Contemporary Pediatrics, 10/99

Romulus boy, 7, has chest surgery; Arnold Coran, M.D., Romulus Roman 10/1

Bosnian boy has heart defect corrected at U-M; Ralph Mosca, M.D., Albert Rocchini, M.D., Detroit News 11/12, Ann Arbor News 11/13, Brighton Argus 11/15, WAAM 11/11, Ypsilanti Press 11/13. Healthcare Weekly Review, 11/24

Respiratory syncitial virus treatment controversy; Frank Moler, M.D., Detroit Free Press 11/11

Teenagers need more calcium in their diet; Barbara Luke, Press & Guide Leader 10/7

Kids and depression: Are drugs the answer?; Jerry Rushton, M.D., USA Today 11/30

Child Safety Seats: A call for new guidelines; Kathleen Weber, USA Today, New York Times, Washington Post

People

Four U-M researchers elected to the prestigious Institute of Medicine; Michigan Daily, University Record, Buffalo News, Ann Arbor News

Local man named distinguished scientist; Thomas E. Carey, M.D., Chelsea Standard/Dexter Leader 11/4

Cancer researcher receives award; Max Wicha, M.D., The Detroiter 11/99

Cardiologist leads active life, trains for marathon; Lori Mosca, MD, Ann Arbor News, 11/13, Associated Press regional, 11/13

U-M nurse Terri Kennedy lauded for starting Howell fire safety program; Detroit News, 11/10

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Arthrogryposis treatment in adults; Virginia Nelson, M.D. WEMU Radio 10/99

Child stroke victim recovers with help of U-M PM&R; Seth Warschausky, Ph.D, People Magazine 10/27

US News and World Report names top ten rehab hospitals; Rehab Management 11/15

Psychiatry

Animal hoarding as a mental disorder; Joseph Himle, Ph.D, Channel 2 10/11

MRI study of schizophrenia (independent comment); Steven Taylor, M.D., Medcast 11/8

Draft of disability classification being tested; Stanley Berent, Ph.D, The APA Monitor 10/99

Pharmaceutical forecast: change, challenge and confusion; Stephen Aronson, M.D., Health Care Weekly Review 11/3

Study: depression as deadly as smoking; Caroline Blaum, Detroit News 11/23, Detroit Free Press, Associated Press, Ann Arbor News, Fort Worth Star Telegram, 11/24, Santa Fe New Mexican, 11/26

Radiology

Clinical needs and technology drive medical imaging to 4-D; Ella Kazerooni, M.D., Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry 10/99

Rheumatology

Learning about fibromyalgia: impossible to cure, now easier to manage; David Fox, M.D., AARP Bulletin 11/99

New treatment and new attitudes in war on arthritis; David Fox, M.D., New Choices for Living Even Better After 50 11/15

Sports Medicine

Concussion guidelines published; Edward Wojtys, M.D., New York Times 10/12, Jackson Citizen Patriot 10/20, Health Care Weekly Review 11/17, Canton Observer 10/17

U-M study links estrogen to jump in ACL injuries; Ed Wojtys, M.D., Detroit Free Press 10/28

Surgery

Surgery replaces amputated fingers with toes for two MI farmers; Kevin Chung, M.D., Channel 5 Flint 10/19

Pediatric plastic surgery saves life of baby born with rare defect; Steven Buchman, M.D., Detroit Free Press 10/5

Use of corticosteroids to ward off rejection; Jeffrey Punch, M.D., Transplant News 10/14

HHS transplant report lists survival rates for U-M, other transplant centers; John Magee, M.D., Jeffrey Punch, M.D., WAAM Radio 10/14, Ann Arbor News, Detroit Free Press

Dentists doing cosmetic surgery in their offices; Shan Baker, M.D., F.A.C.S., Dermatology Times/Cosmetic Surgery Times 11/3

Adopted daughter donates kidney to grandmother; WJBK Channel 2 11/2

Judith Jubenville, Flint patient on heart transplant waiting list; Mark Gravel, Channel 5, Flint 11/12

Vernon Lunsford, double transplant recipient; Robert Fontana, M.D., Detroit News 11/25

New generation of hip replacements; Andrew Freiberg, M.D., Detroit Free Press 11/9, Tampa Tribune 11/28, Akron OH Beacon Journal 11/30, Grand Forks Herald (ND) 11/30

Technology

Firefly bioluminescence used in new test kit; Ed Stuenkel, Detroit News 10/14, Gannett News Service 10/25

April/May 1999

HIGHLIGHTS

BIO-ARTIFICIAL KIDNEY — David Humes, MD the John G. Searle Professor of Internal Medicine, and his research team gained widespread national, regional and local coverage for taking the first successful steps toward developing a bio-artificial kidney that uses living kidney cells to duplicate nearly all of the functions of a healthy organ. The promising results — animal testing of a key component of the device — were published in Nature-Biotechnology and led to coverage by outlets ranging from USA Today, the Chicago Tribune and CNN to the Ann Arbor News and Detroit TV stations.

U-M HEALTH MINUTE — Since its inception of February of this year, this new UMHS Public Relations Department project has garnered extensive regional media coverage; segments have also been picked up by the Wall Street Journal and USA Today (and CNN has covered four of the stories). The program, which involves shipping video footage plus background printed information on a variety of health topics (from teen vegetarians to new heart-disease guidelines for women) has also generated queries from NBC Evening News and Ivanhoe Video Communications Firm. The national women’s magazines have expressed interest, too — interview requests have come from Family Circle, Redbook and Health.

SUBCRANIAL SURGERY — This 5 year-old program directed by Larry Marentette, MD, in Otolaryngology received statewide print coverage. A full-page feature article in the Ann Arbor News discussed the drastic but innovative surgery that allows physicians to reach and remove “buried” tumors — deep-seated growths in the base of the skull, around the sinuses or near the brain stem. The story was picked up by papers in 10 Michigan cities as well as by the Associated Press.

UMHS IN THE NEWS TOPIC
Listed by subject/spokesperson, media outlet and date of report.

Cancer
Breast Cancer studies stir doubts on drugs-transplant therapy; Allen Lichter, MD; New York Times; 4/16.

U-M develops cancer-fighting vaccine; Martin Sanda, MD; Health Care Weekly Review; 4/14.

Lab gives insight into patients’ fatigue; Max Wicha, MD; Ann Arbor News; 4/1.

Breast cancer drug may work to combat prostate cancer; Martin Sanda, MD; Urology Times; 4/1.

STAR breast cancer trial; Sofia Merajver, MD; Detroit Free Press, Kalamazoo Gazette; 5/26.

Donor can put his/her name on U-M Cancer Business Center for $25 million; Max Wicha, MD; Crain’s Detroit; 5/3.

STAR trial study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene; Sofia Merajver, MD; WTVG, Monroe Evening News, Health Magazine; 5/24.

Breast self-exam; Helen Pass, MD; Channel 7; 5/20.

Research shows bone marrow transplants not highly effective to treat breast cancer; Allen Lichter, MD; National Public Radio; 4/17.

Cardiology
Actress to speak at U-M conference on aphasia; Patricia Neal; Detroit Free Press; 5/4.

Listen to your body, it tells you when the pressure is to great; Martha Stavros, MSW; Ann Arbor News, Detroit News; 4/19.

New heart-disease guidelines for women; Lori Mosca, MD; Copley News Service, Wall Street Journal, NBC Nightly News, Ionia Sentinal Standard; 4/30.

CATS (Coronary alternative treatment strategy); Melvyn Rubinfire, MD; Press & Guide Newspapers, C&G Newspapers, WNEM, Channel 50, Dexter Leader, Detroit Free Press, Physician Practice Digest, Antrim County News, The Mature American WNEM.

African American women and heart disease; Lori Mosca, MD; Copley News Service; Holbrook Tribune.

Dermatology
Study shows how sun damages skin; John Vorhees, MD; New York Daily News, Chicago Tribune, The Tampa Tribune; 5/3.

Distinguished service medallion from the Dermatology Foundation; Howard V. Dubin, MD; Journal of the American Medical Association; 4/21.

Acne cream may reduce the damaging effects of sunlight; John Voorhees, MD; New Scientist; 4/3.

Emergency Medicine
U-M to obtain more choppers; Mark Lowell, MD; Ann Arbor News; 4/26.

U-M burn unit’s trial by fire, Ford Rouge disaster; Nancy Mamelen, RN; Detroit Free Press; 3/99.

Binge drinking; Teresa Herzog-Mourad, MS; WWJ Radio; 5/4.

Family Practice
How to protect memory functions; Lee Green, MD; Health Magazine; 5/99.

Exercise addiction; Thomas Schwenk, MD; Novi News, Chelsea Standard, Dexter Leader, Monroe Evening News, Women’s Health Style, Flint Journal, Gladwin County Record, Beaverton Clarion, White Lake Beacon.

Exercise and depression; Thomas Schwenk, MD; Channel 50, CNN.

Health Centers
Regents approve Life Sciences Institute; Lee Bollinger; Ann Arbor News, Detroit Free Press; 5/22.

Hospital parkers in jam; Pam Mulholland, Robert Patrick, Dave Miller; Ann Arbor News; 5/5.

U-M life sciences initiative vital, regents are told; Jack Dixon, Ph,D; Ann Arbor News; 4/16.

Health/Wellness
DASH diet – dietary approaches to stop hypertension; Margaret Scisney-Matlock, Lynn Glazewski, RD; WNEM, WNIC; 4/19.

Summer diets; Holly Noble, RD; Jackson Citizen Patriot; 5/18.

Teen vegetarians; Kathy Rhodes, PhD, RD; Channel 7, WWTV, Novi News, Newsweekly, Gratiot County Herald.

The five best women’s health centers; Carol Weisman, PhD; Health Magazine; 5/99.

Osteoporosis and Generation X; Barbara Luke, ScD, MPH, RD; Monroe Evening News.

Human Genetics
Genetic counselors help clients at risk for inherited diseases; Diane Baker, MS, Jane Schuette, MS, Wendy Uhlmann, MS; San Francisco Chronicle; 5/9.

Internal Medicine
Study shows H. Pylori screening reduces gastric cancer risk; Mark Fendrick, MD; Clinical Lab Letter, Health Care Weekly Review; 4/1.

Palliative Care Project; Kenneth Pienta, MD; Health Care Weekly, Review Oakland Press; 4/7.

U-M scientists create drug to eradicate anthrax; James Baker,MD; Washington Post; 5/19.

Researchers unearth more evidence gulf war illnesses linked to toxins; William Murphy, Jr., MD; Gannett News Service; 5/2.

Choosing an effective antibiotic for MRSA infection; Carol E. Chenoweth, MD; The Journal of Critical Illness; 4/1.

Arthritis drugs; David Fox, MD; WNEM; 4/26.

NETT National emphysema treatment trial; Fernando Martinez, MD, Mark Iannettoni, MD; WOTV, WTVG, Albion Record; 5/17.

Avandia represents a significant advance in the treatment of diabetes; Douglas Greene, MD; M2 Presswire; 4/23.

Diabetes may increase need for lower extremity surgery – Risk greatest for African American women; Kenneth Jamerson, MD; MedCast Medical News; 3/11.

Medical School
Lichter named Medical School dean; Allen Lichter, MD; Ann Arbor News, UPI; 4/17.

Obstetrics/Gynecology
Monitoring methods for CC ovulation induction; Yolanda Smith, MD; OBG Management; 4/99.

Pregnancy and herbal remedies to avoid; Sandra Lynn, CNM, MSN; WNEM, WOTV; Ivanhoe; 4/5.

Operations/Administration
U-M won’t lay off health workers; Gil Omenn, MD, Larry Warren; Ann Arbor News, Ypsilanti Press; 4/1.

Hospitals lose Medicare funds due to mix-up; Tom Biggs, MBA; Ann Arbor News, Ypsilanti Press; 4/9.

State’s leading health authorities critique new plan for uninsured; Gil Omenn, MD; Health Care Weekly Review; 4/21.

Medicare cutbacks hurt teaching hospitals; Gil Omenn, MD; Detroit News; 4/29.

Ann Arbor hospitals lose money; Tom Biggs, MBA; Jackson Citizen Patriot; 4/11.

U-M Health System cuts costs; Gil Omenn, MD; Ann Arbor News.

Ophthalmology
U-M study helps seniors with vision-threatening eye problem from diabetes; Andrew Vine, MD; The Detroit News; 4/1.

Macular degeneration; Mark Johnson, MD; WPHM Radio, WWTV, Brown City Banner, Ch. 4 Newsweekly.

Pathology
Gender gap dooms men to shorter life spans; Rick Miller; The Washington Times; 4/14.

No reprieve for America’s antibody mice; Peter Ward; New Scientist; 4/17.

Pediatrics
Comments on legal aspects of Amish girl receiving chemo against parents’ wishes at another hospital; Ed Goldman, JD; Flint Journal; 4/22.

State will cover procedure for boy’s sickle-cell anemia; John Levine, MD; Ann Arbor News; 4/12.

Growth hormones help short kids grow taller; David Rosen, MD; Tulsa World, Des Moines Register; 5/12.

Doctor questions teen anti-depressant use; Gary Freed, MD; Herald-Sun, NC; 5/1.

Pull tabs from soda cans collected to raise money; Dana Kremm; Ann Arbor News; 5/9.

Newer drugs help kids with cystic fibrosis live longer, but no cure yet; Samya Nasr, MD, Richard Simon, MD; Ann Arbor News; 5/11.

Mending tiny hearts; Ed Bove, MD; Ann Arbor News; 1/3.

State will cover procedure for boy’s sickle-cell anemia; John Levine, MD; Ypsilanti Press; 4/12.

People
Volunteer of the Year; Carol Barker; Cool 107 Radio; 4/15.

Ann Arbor hospice art helps adults, children deal with pain and death; Shannon Scott; Albion Recorder, Marshall Chronicle, The Macomb Daily; 4/1.

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Teen back pain; Andy Haig, MD; Chelsea Standard, Dexter Leader, WNEM, White Lake Beacon.

Psychiatry
Chronic fatigue syndrome; Mark Demitrack, MD; Health Magazine; 5/99.

Dealing with kids to prevent school killings; Elissa Benedek, MD; Time Magazine; 5/10.

Panic attacks; Jordana Muroff; Women’s Health Style; 3/99.

Surgery
Breakthroughs in hip repair; Andrew Freiberg, MD; Ann Arbor News; 4/29.

Subcranial surgery reaches ‘buried’ tumors; Larry Marentette, MD; Ann Arbor News, Associated Press, Jackson Citizen Patriot, Marshall Chronicle, Sturgis Journal, Port Huron Times Herald, Albion Recorder, Adrian Daily Telegram, Macomb Daily, Monroe Evening News; 5/5.

Innovative esophageal surgery; Mark Orringer, MD; The Hindu; 5/3.

Off-pump heart surgery; Steve Bolling, MD; Ann Arbor News; 5/13.

No sweat: surgery eases hand troubles of student; Mark Iannettoni, MD; Jackson Citizen Patriot; 4/19.

Helping others hear; Alexander Arts, MD; Saginaw News; 4/7.

Vagus nerve stimulation to treat epileptic seizures; Jonathan Edwards, MD; WNEM, WXYZ; 4/12.

Artificial hearts (LVAD’s/The HeartMate); Francis Pagani, MD; WWMT, WXYZ, Channel 50, WOOD, WOTV; 5/31.

Seven-year-old donor saves four lives; Darrell Campbell, MD; Associated Press; 4/1.

Doctor urges postponement of trial for patient who had papers; Keith Aaronson, MD; Observer-Eccentric; 4/8.

Sister to give the gift of life; Maureen Fox; Detroit News; 4/21.

Technology
Physicians now computerize many functions; Tom O’Connor, MD; Medical Economics; 4/26.

Biokidney may improve kidney function; David Humes, MD; UPI, WOTV, WOOD, WXYZ, CNN, Chicago Tribune, Ann Arbor News, USA Today, WHDH-TV (NBC) Ch.7 Boston, KRIV-TV (Fox) Ch. 26 Houston, WDIV-TV (NBC) Ch. 4 Detroit (Newsbeat Today), WDIV-TV (NBC) Ch. 4 Detroit (Nightbeat), WMBC-TV (IND) Ch. 63 New York, WGNX-TV (CBS) Ch. 46 Atlanta, WHTM-TV (ABC) Ch. 27 Harrisburg/Lancaster, KGET-TV (NBC) Ch. 17 Bakersfield, KGET-TV (NBC) Ch. 17 Bakersfield.

March 1999

HIGHLIGHTS
MEDICAL MARIJUANA – When the Institute of Medicine declared the medical virtues of marijuana, the news media sought context and insight from Psychiatry Professor Stanley Watson, MD, co-director of the Mental Health Research Institute. Dr. Watson’s comments – that marijuana is an ideal quick-acting drug for alleviating pain, nausea and vomiting that should be developed as an inhalant – were included in scores of news reports nationally.

CANCER VACCINE – Cancer researcher Jim Mule, PhD, garnered solid national coverage for research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, detailing the promise of adding low-dose interleukin-2 to a tumor vaccine. Mule has appointments in the Surgery and Internal Medicine departments.

SUN AND SKIN – Dermatology Department Chairman John Voorhees, MD, published a paper in Nature Medicine showing that ultraviolet radiation from the sun induces vitamin A deficiency in the skin. The research generated national media attention.

UNDER-MEDICATED – Only a fraction of the patients who could benefit from cholesterol-lowering drugs are receiving them, according to survey results cardiologist James Froelich, MD, presented at the American College of Cardiology’s recent conference. Dr. Froelich’s findings received coverage in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other national outlets.

A CHILD’S GIFT – After seeing a “Gift of Life” commercial on TV recently, 7-year-old Travis Elasivich of Flint told his Mom he wanted to donate his organs when he died. A week later, he was struck by a car and killed. On March 21, U-M surgeons recovered Travis’ heart and liver and carried them to a pair of adjacent O-Rs where Katie Mather of Grand Rapids and Sarah Hughes of Escanaba were waiting. Ten days later, the two nine-year-old girls (they were born three days apart) were ready to go home. Before their discharge from Mott Hospital, Katie and Sarah joined their parents and surgeon Darrell ‘Skip” Campbell at a press conference which generated statewide attention for organ donation, the U-M Transplant Program, and Travis Elasivich’s generous act.

UMHS IN THE NEWS TOPIC Listed by subject/spokesperson, media outlet and date of report

Cancer
Research on cancer vaccine; Jim Mule'; PBS, The Scientist, Medcast Medical News, WUOM-FM, Nature Biotechnology, 3/15.

Breast cancer gene linked to prostate cancer; Martin Sanda, MD; Associated Press, USA Today, Drug & cancer Biotechnology News, Newsday, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, etc.; 3/2.

Options for breast cancer; Allen Lichter, MD; Detroit Free Press; 3/12.

Mobile virtual reality lab puts doctors in patients’ shoes; Max Wicha, MD; Ann Arbor News; 4/1.

Cancer vaccine research; Alfred Chang, MD, Jim Mule’, PhD, Vicki Baker, MD, Bruce Redman, MD, Martin Sanda, MD, Ray Hutchinson, MD, Vern Sondak, MD; Ann Arbor News; 3/14

Community Health
Resource center targets poor health status among minorities; Charlene Flagg, MSW; Ann Arbor News; 3/15.

Program focuses on teen health; P-R Department; Ann Arbor News; 3/12.

Concern over rising use of heroin; David Rosen, MD; Ann Arbor News; 2/24.

Dermatology
Exposure to sunlight causes vitamin A deficiency in skin; John Voorhees, MD; Ann Arbor News, TV news coverage in Boston, Philadelphia, Detroit, Cleveland, West Palm Beach, Chicago, Houston, Las Vegas, Seattle, Phoenix, Miami; 4/1.

Emergency Medicine
Profile of Paul Taheri, MD, Nancy Mamolen, RN; Detroit Free Press; article also was carried in newspapers statewide; 3/6.

New program targets juvenile arsonists; Pamela Pucci, RN; Detroit Free Press, Oakland Press, A2 News

A social service role for the E-R; Jeff Gordon, MD; Health Line; 3/3.

Exercise and depression
Thomas Schwenk, MD; Channels 4 and 50, approx. 20 radio stations, WWTV in Traverse City; 3/29.

Health/Wellness
Childseat safety; Kathleen Weber , MA; Readers Digest; March issue.

New M-FIT program issue launched in supermarkets; Holly K. Noble; Michigan Food News; Feb.,

Teens and vegetarianism; Kathy Rhodes, MS, PhD; Channels 4 and 7, approx. 20 radio stations; 3/22.

Human Genetics
Genetic counselors help clients at risk for inherited diseases; Diane Baker, MS Jane Schuette, MS Wendy Uhlmann, MS; Ann Arbor News; 4/4.

Internal Medicine
Study shows many patients don’t receive cholesterol-lowering medication; James Froehlich, MD, Lori Mosca, MD; Associated Press, Washington Post, New York Times, Detroit News, many others; 3/8.

Heart disease among African-American Women; WILX in Lansing, WWTV in Traverse City; 3/1.

Arrhythmias; Michael H. Lehman, MD; Ladies Home Journal; April issue.

Effect of aspirin on efficacy of Ace-inhibitors; Bertram Pitt, MD; CNN and TV news in New York, Chicago, Boston, Washington, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Columbus, Oklahoma City, Las Vegas, Rochester; 3/10.

Diabetes may increase lower extremity surgery in black women; Kenneth Jamerson, MD; Medcast Medical News; 3/11.

Red dye can be dangerous allergen; Michael DiCello, MD; Channel 2; 3/17.

20th Century medical milestones; Joel Howell, MD; The Washington Post, Associated Press; 3/27

Cost-effectiveness of hepatitis B/flu vaccine; Mark Fendrick, MD; Hepatitis Weekly; 3/1.

Alternative therapies; Joel Howell, MD; Seattle Times; 2/28.

Exercise and arthritis; David Fox, MD; Washington Post, Associated Press; 3/28.

Transplant drug boosts cancer risk; Gary Nabel, MD; Science News; 3/20.

M-Care Insurance rates to jump; Zelda Geyer-Sylvia; Ann Arbor News; 4/1.

Medical School
Researchers discover how folic acid lowers homocysteine; Rowena Matthews, PhD, Martha Ludwig, PhD; The Lancet, The Scientist, Reuters Health News Service, A2News; 4/1.

Match Day; P-R Department and graduating students; Detroit News; 3/19.

Med School ranked in Top 10; Allen Lichter, MD; Ann Arbor News; 3/19.

The business of recruiting faculty; Gil Omenn, PhD, MD; Ann Arbor News; 3/28.

Obstetrics/Gynecology
Preventing osteoperosis; Barbara Luke, MPH, ScD; WWTV in Traverse City, Press & Guide newspaper chain, Monroe Evening News, approx. 15 radio stations; 3/8.

Millenial babies; Caren Stalburg, MD; USA Today; 3/26.

Popularity of midwives; Patricia Crane, MSN; Ann Arbor News; 3/25.

Working moms and breastfeeding; Melissa Harrington, RN; Ann Arbor News; 3/25.

Operations/Administration
UMHS cost cuts; Gil Omenn, PhD, MD; Ann Arbor News; 4/1.

Ophthalmology
Retinoschisis research; Paul Sieving; Ann Arbor News; 3/4.

Double vision may signal serious problem; Mark Ventocilla, MD; Detroit News; 3/4.

Macular degeneration; Mark Johnson, MD; Channel 4, Approx. 15 radio stations; 3/15.

Otolaryngology
U-M surgeons perform life-saving cranial operations; Alexander Arts, MD, Donald Ross, MD, Lawrence Marentette, MD; Ann Arbor News; 3/11.

Pediatrics
Immunizations; Janet Gilsdorf, MD; Ann Arbor News; 3/25.

Respiratory Syncytial virus; Allen Dumont, MD; Monroe Evening News; 3/2.

Patient treated for osteopetrosis; Valerie Castle, MD, Bob Hensinger, MD; Ann Arbor News; 3/28.

AAP changes circumcision recommendation; Stephen Park, MD; USA Today; 3/2.

Kalamazoo family deals with Downs syndrome; Mott Children’s Hospital; Kalamazoo Gazette; 3/14.

People
Gary Nabel appointed head of NIH vaccine research center; Gary Nabel, MD; Nature, Science, Detroit Free Press, A2 News, others; 3/18.

Ex-UM dean takes post at U. of Utah; Lorris Betz, MD; Ann Arbor News; 3/8.

Feature on Fedda Clisham; Ann Arbor News; 3/12.

Psychiatry
Debate over medical use of marijuana; Stanley Watson, MD; Associated Press, CNN, WGN radio in Chicago, USA Today, Washington Post, New York Times, and TV news shows in New York, San Francisco, Washington, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Tampa/St. Pete, Miami, Sacramento, Raleigh/Durham, and Cincinnati, among others; 3/17.

Radiology
MRI technology; Scott Swanson, PhD; Science Now, A2 News; 3/23.

Surgery
Cosmetic Surgery; Haskell Newman, MD; Women’s Health Style Magazine; March issue.

U-M resident named Cosmo’s Single Guy Of the Month; Sanjay Gupta, MD; Detroit News, others; 3/9.

Seven-year-old donor saves four lives; Darrell Campbell, MD; Channels 4, 7, 50, A2 News, Flint Journal, Grand Rapids Press, WLUC-TV in Marquette; 4/2.

Patient receives kidney transplant; Transplant Program; The Pigeon (MI) Weekly; 3/2.

Transplant registry; Robert Merion, MD, David Stern, MD; Richmond Times Dispatch, Technology, Prevention April e-mail magazine.

January/February 1999

HIGHLIGHTS

FORD PLANT DISASTER --- The deadly explosion at the Ford Motor Co. Rouge Plant in Dearborn on Feb. 1, generated thousands of news reports worldwide. From the moment the massive factory’s power plant erupted, the U-M Health System’s heroic efforts to care for the wounded were an integral part of the story.

The disaster and its aftermath were covered by media outlets ranging from small newspapers in the injured men’s hometowns -- such as the Livonia Observer and the Dearborn Times Herald -- to those with an international reach – including the New York Times, the Associated Press, United Press International, Agence France Presse, the Canadian Broadcasting Co., and the Xinhua News Agency.

It’s impossible to acknowledge everyone on staff who, during the most trying times, helped us convey information to the media regarding the patients’ condition and care. But let’s try: Survival Flight, the Emergency Department, the Trauma Burn Center, Surgery ICU, Plastic Surgery, Occupational Therapy, PM&R, Respiratory Therapy, the Skin Bank, the Blood Bank, Social Work.

Your efforts resulted in far more than a few soundbites for the evening news. Rather, they helped thousands of people who were praying for the victims to better understand and cope with the disaster and showcased the compassionate, world-class medical care provided here.

MEDIA/PUBLIC HEALTH PROJECT --- Michigan is one of the unhealthiest states in the union. Only seven states have a higher percentage of obese adults, and only six have more smokers per capita. The state has above average rates of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and infant mortality. And we’re below average for the percentage of children who are immunized.

The Public Relations Department has launched a project designed to provide Michigan residents with cutting-edge medical information they can use to assess and reduce their health risks. We are providing the state’s TV stations, radio stations, and newspapers with weekly reports exploring a variety of health problems and delivering common-sense suggestions for preventing and treating them. (The material also is delivered, and augmented, on the UMHS website and through Telecare.) Each report draws on the expertise of a U-M health-care provider.

So far, we have covered the increase in teen back pain with Andy Haig, MD, from Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, influenza treatment with Cary Engleberg, MD, from Infectious Diseases, diagnosing depression with Sheila Marcus, MD, from Psychiatry, alternative cardiac care with Melvin Rubenfire, MD, from Cardiology, exercise addiction with Tom Schwenk, MD, from Family Practice, and ulcer screening with Mark Fendrick, MD, from Internal Medicine.

For more information on this project -- or to suggest topics for future reports – contact Andi McDonnell at 4-2220 or andreakm@umich.edu.

UMHS SCIENCE IN THE NEWS: The February issue of Scientific American published a terrific article on liquid ventilation which highlighted the work of Ron Hirschl, MD, from Pediatric Surgery.

The winter issue of the NCRR Reporter featured Sally Camper, MD, from Human Genetics, and her investigation of the genetic basis of congenital hearing loss.

In January, CBS News and the Reuters Health News Service reported on research published by Martin Sanda, MD, from Urology. Sanda’s lab concluded that an experimental vaccine, called vac-mTag, protect labs mice from a virus which has been associated with certain rare cancers.

In a recent issue of Internal Medicine News, Cancer Center Director Max Wicha, MD, discussed a clinical trial using a cell-death gene to improve the results of bone marrow transplants.

The P-R Department is always interested in promoting basic science research. Investigators whose work is potentially newsworthy should contact Sally Pobojewski a few weeks before their findings are to be published or presented.

PATIENT SUCCESS STORIES: The Michigan media has covered several inspiring U-M clinical cases in recent weeks.

Channel 50 broadcast a story on a child from Chelsea treated at Mott for Krabbe’s disease.

The Adrian Daily Telegram reported on a woman who received a kidney donation from her father.

The Lincoln Park News Herald wrote about a state trooper who underwent neurosurgery for a closed head injury.

The Grand Haven Tribune covered the story of a teenager who required neurosurgery after suffering a stroke.

The Ann Arbor News reported on a child treated at Mott for meningococcemia. And the Oxford Leader wrote about a woman who relied on a UMHS support group to lose 130 pounds.

CITED: Obstetrics/gynecology professor Barbara Luke’s new book on osteoporosis, Good Bones, in the San Antonio Express.

Pediatrics professor Howard Markel’s 1997 book, Quarantine: East European Jewish Immigrants and the New York City Epidemics of 1892, in Discover magazine.

Technical information on liver transplantation from Robert Merion, chief of the Michigan Transplant Program, in USA Today.

Data from the Michigan Congenital Heart Program, in the Hartford Courant.

ONGOING COVERAGE: The media continues to show a strong interest in Orthopaedic Surgeon Ed Wojtys’ investigation of women’s knee injuries, and Internal Medicine physician David Stern’s project researching the efficacy of e-mail communication between doctors and patients. Wojtys’ findings were cited in recent issues of Fitness, Muscle & Fitness, and the Washington Post, while Stern’s project was covered by the Associated Press, Telehealth Magazine, Orthopedics Today, and the Boston Globe.

QUOTES of NOTE: UMHS physicians are routinely called upon to discuss current medical news and breakthroughs. Several of our experts have been cited recently in the national press: Douglas Greene, Endocrinology, on new diabetes drugs, in the Wall Street Journal. Gary Nabel, Gene Therapy, on a rejection drug linked to tumor growth, in USA Today. David Fox, Rheumatology, on new arthritis drugs, in Business Week. Bertram Pitt, Cardiology, on new cholesterol-lowering drugs, in Medical Administration News. James Froelich, Cardiology, on the effects of beta blockers administered to surgery patients, in the Boston Globe.

UMHS IN THE NEWS TOPIC Listed by subject, spokesperson, media outlet and date of report (or interview).

Cancer
Vaccine protects mice against virus associated with cancer; Martin Sanda, MD; CBS News, WWJ-AM, Ann Arbor News, Channel 4, Reuters Health News Service, Macomb Daily;1/19.

Cancer call-in; David Smith, MD; Channel 7; 2/28

Gene therapy; Max Wicha, MD; Internal Medicine News; 2/1

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma research; Mark Kaminski, MD; Channel 4; 1/15.

Max Wicha, MD, receives endowed professorship; P-R Department; Crain’s Detroit Business; 1/18.

Breast cancer protein therapy; Max Wicha, MD; Detroit News; 2/4.

New Cancer Center web site; P-R Department; Women’s Health Style Jan-Feb.,Oncology, WWJ-AM;

Palliative hospice program; Ken Pienta, MD; San Francisco Chronicle, January, A2 News, Channel 7, WWJ, WUOM, WVGR, WFUM, WSJM, Michigan Daily .

Use of thalidamide; John Levine, MD; Channel 7; 1/28.

Cops and Courts
UMHS employee arrested for stealing and forging prescriptions; P-R Department; Channel 50; 1/6.

Lawsuit involving Millie Schembechler Adrenal Cancer Fund; P-R Department; Detroit Free Press, Crain’s Detroit Business; 1/15.

Emergency Medicine
Woman treated for critical injuries following 50-car pileup; P-R Department; Chicago Tribune, Agence France Press, Durham, NC, Herald-Sun, Detroit News, Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, Dayton Daily News, Greensboro, NC, News & Record, Buffalo News, Coldwater, Reporter, Ionia Sentinel-Standard, Adrian Daily Telegraph, Channels 2, 4, 7, 50, WWJ, WJR, WAAM; 1/18.

Eight people exposed to chemical spill on campus; P-R Department; Ann Arbor News, Associated Press, Monroe Evening News; 1/22.

Man injured in house explosion in Whitmore Lake; Patient’s mother; WLNS-TV, Lansing 1/18.

Effects of and testing for GHB, a date rape drug; Jeff Desmond, MD, Jennifer Holmes, David Rosen; Ann Arbor News, Michigan Daily; 1/21-31.

Health threats caused by winter storms and cold; Greg Henry, MD, William Barsan, MD; Ann Arbor News, Detroit News, WAAM; 1/5.

Family Practice
Flu season; Michael Fetters, MD; Ann Arbor News; 1/2.

Exercise and depression; Tom Schwenk, MD; Channel 2; 12/29.

Exercise addiction; Tom Schwenk, MD; WILX-TV in Lansing, Channel 50 in Detroit, Monroe Evening News; 2/15.

Geriatrics
Protecting the elderly during extreme cold; Brian Zink, MD; Detroit News; 1/6.

Health Centers
Chelsea Family Practice accredited; Chelsea Family Practice; Chelsea Standard, Dexter Leader; 1/28.

Esophageal reflux; D. Kim Turgeon, MD; Novi News, Northville Record; 1/21.

Health Policy
Insurers hesitant to cover costs of patients in trials; Allen Lichter, MD; The Challenge; January.

Health/Wellness
Medical Center bans smoking; Tony Denton, MHA, JD, Linda Thomas, MS; Ann Arbor News, Lansing State Journal, Grand Rapids Press, Jackson Citizen-Patriot, Adrian Daily Telegram, Port Huron Times Herald, Monroe Evening News, Michigan Daily; 2/14.

U-M Health Media Research Lab; Vic Strecher, PhD; Ann Arbor News; 2/11.

Holiday w/o regrets; Teresa Herzog Mourad, MS; Channel 2; 12/31.

Health care partnership with Washtenaw County; Washtenaw County govt.; Ann Arbor News; 1/22.

Human Genetics
Genetics and hearing loss; Sally Camper, MD; NCRR Reporter; Winter issue.

Report of state Commission on Genetic Privacy; Ed Goldman, JD; Battle Creek Enquirer, Grand Rapids Press, Kalamazoo Gazette, Ann Arbor News, Detroit News, Free Press, Jackson Citizen-Patriot, Adrian Daily Telegram, 2/6.

DNA analyzing microchip; David Burke, MD; The Heart of the Matter, a syndicated radio program, 1/6.

Internal Medicine
New diabetes drugs; Douglas Greene, MD; Wall Street Journal; 1/25.

Angiogenesis trial; Robert Lederman, MD; WWJ-AM; 1/15.

E-mail communication between doctors and patients; David Stern, MD; Associated Press, Orthopedics Today, Telehealth Magazine, Boston Globe, 12/24-2/15.

Cyclosporine linked to tumor growth; Gary Nabel, MD; USA Today, Associated Press; 2/11.

Genetically engineered abortion pill boosts immune response; Gary Nabel, MD United Press International; 1/18.

Testing for heart disease; Mel Rubenfire, MD; Ann Arbor News; 2/18.

Cardiac Alternative Treatment Strategy (CATS); Mel Rubenfire, MD; Detroit Free Press; 2/8.

New arthritis drugs; David Fox, MD; Business Week; 1/25.

New cholesterol-reducing drugs; Bertram Pitt, MD; Medical Administration News; January issue.

Paul Watkins, MD receives two others national awards; P-R Department; Crain’s Detroit Business, 1/25.

Beta blockers and surgery; James Froelich, MD; Boston Globe, others; 2/11.

New class of antibiotics; Cary Engleberg, MD; Ann Arbor News; 1/21.

Blood shortage; Robertson Davenport, MD; Ann Arbor News; 1/7.

Research involving diabetic neuropathy; Shanthi Srinivasan, MD; Internal Medicine News; 1/15.

Hypertension and diabetes; Kenneth Jamerson, MD; Diabetes Forecast; February issue.

Screening for H. Pylori; Mark Fendrick, MD; Channel 4 in Detroit, Ann Arbor News; 2/22.

Influenza; Cary Engleberg, MD; WWJ, WAAM, WKQL, WPHM in Port Huron; Late Jan.

Medical School
Four brothers attend U-M Med School; Family and Alphonse Burdi, PhD; Kalamazoo Gazette, Ann Arbor News; 12/17.

Videoconferencing and medical education; Tim Pletcher, Howard Levine, Sounding Board; February issue.

UM Historical Center for Health Sciences; Howard Markel, MD; Grand Rapids Press; 2/3.

Neurology
Link between ADHD and sleep disorders; Ron Chervin, MD; Woman’s World; 1/12.

Operations/Administration
Partnership Health health plan between UMHS and Ford; Health Line; 2/2.

Students protest burning of medical waste; Tom Peterson; Ann Arbor News; 2/24.

U-M salaries released; Main campus P-R; Ann Arbor News, Michigan Daily; 1/22.

Community relations; Lloyd Jacobs, MD; Ann Arbor News; 2/28.

JCAHO approval; Lloyd Jacobs, MD; Ann Arbor News; 1/17.

Ophthalmology
Glaucoma; Robert Schertzer, MD,Sayoko Moroi, MD, Julia Richards, PhD; Ann Arbor News; 1/14.

Otolaryngology
Norman Hogikyan, MD, initiated into FACS; P-R Department; Crain’s Detroit Business, others; 1/25.

Pediatrics
Liquid ventilation; Ron Hirschl, MD; Scientific American; Feb. issue.

U-M neonatology services offered at St Mary Hospital; Jean Petershack, MD; Detroit News, A2 News, Health Care Weekly Review, and papers in Livonia, Canton, Redford, Plymouth, Westland, Garden City; 1/24.

Art therapy offered to cancer and pediatric patients; Shannon Scott; Ann Arbor News; 2/10.

When parents criticize their kids; Howard Markel, MD; Contemporary Pediatrics; 1/15.

Mott patient recovers from meningococcemia; Ann Arbor News; 12/25.

Chelsea girl treated for Krabbe’s disease Mott nurses Children’s photo exhibit; Family and Mott nurses; Channel 50; 2/13 and Local cable 1/12.

Performing poodle at Mott; Child Life Services; Detroit News, Plymouth Observer, Canton Observer, 2/7.

Pull-tabs provide fund-raiser for Mott; Karen Foulke Ann Arbor News; 2/12.

People
Mott social worker organizes relief efforts for Honduran hurricane victims; Haydee Ghazal, MSW; Ann Arbor News; 1/8.

Patient loses 130 pounds with UMHS support group; Patient Kerri Keeley; Oxford Leader; 2/3.

Profile of surgeon Ed Bove; Ed Bove, MD; Ann Arbor News; 1/3.

Pharmacy
Shortage of urokinase; Nabil Khalidi, MD; Ann Arbor News; 1/4.

Physical Medicine and Rehab
Teen back pain; Andy Haig, MD; CNN, Channel 2, Channel 4, Channel 7 WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, WOTV in Battle Creek, WWTV in Traverse City, 2/1.

Psychiatry
Seasonal depression; Sheila Marcus, MD; Detroit News, Chelsea Standard, Dexter Leader, Northville Record, 1/18.

Surgery
Knee replacement surgery; Andrew Freiberg, MD; Channel 7; 1/31.

Saline breast implants; Paul Cederna, MD; Albany, NY, Times-Union, Greensboro, NC, News & Record; 1/5; 1/19.

Inmate receives heart transplant; Keith Aaronson, MD; Francis Pagini, M.D., Ed Wojtys, M.D., Laura Huston, M.S.; Detroit News, WJR, WWJ, Detroit Jewish News, Troy Observer, West Bloomfield Observer, Fitness magazine, Muscle & Fitness, Washington Post, Associated Press.

Organ donation; Rhonda Regalado (Patient) Maureen Fox; Adrian Daily Telegram; 2/21.

State trooper recovers from closed head injury; Neurosurgery Division; Lincoln Park News Herald; 1/20.

Woman awaiting liver transplant; Transplant Program; Hillsdale Daily News; 1/30.

Teen undergoes surgery after brain mass causes stroke; Pediatric Neurosurgery; Grand Haven Tribune 2/4.

Mitral valve repair; Steve Bolling, MD; CHF Disease Mgt.; 1/8.

Wound care; Riley Rees, MD; Ann Arbor News; 1/7.

Youth treated for hockey injury; P-R Department; Detroit Free Press, WWJ, Channels 2, 4, 7, 50; 2/11-12.

Wound adhesive; P-R Department; Channel 7, Detroit News; January.

December 1998

HIGHLIGHTS

TREMOR CONTROL --- CBS News produced a report on neurosurgeon Oren Sagher's use of a new deep-brain implant than helps control the severe tremors experienced by patients with Parkinson's disease and essential tremor disorder. The broadcast featured O-R footage and moving stories of patients whose quality of life had been dramatically improved as a result of the operation. The report aired nationally and on approximately 20 local affiliates, including Los Angeles, Washington DC, Cleveland, and Grand Rapids.

BLIZZARD DUTY --- The snowstorm over the New Year's holiday generated scores of calls from the media regarding the weather's impact -- i.e. shoveling-induced heart attacks, homeless people with frostbite, and trauma cases. We also worked closely with the Red Cross, Dr. Robertson Davidson of Blood Bank and Transfusion Services, and several southeast Michigan hospitals to generate media coverage of the holiday-and weather- related shortage of blood products, an effort designed to promote blood donations.

TRADE JOURNALS --- UMHS faculty and staff were cited in a wide range of specialty publications in December, including Primary Care & Cancer, BioWorld Today, Congestive Heart Failure Disease Management, Gastroenterology Journal, Science, Science News, Medicine & Behavior, American Medical News, Alternative and Complementary Therapy Journal, Behavioral Healthcare Tomorrow, The American Psychological Association Monitor, and Health Data Management.

UMHS IN THE NEWS
Listed by subject/spokesperson, media outlet and date of report or interview.

Cancer
Pediatric cancer vaccine trial; Ray Hutchinson, MD; Detroit News; 12/23.

Cancer center partnerships; Max Wicha, MD; Crain's Detroit; 12/7.

Alternative therapies for prostate cancer; Mark Moyad, MPH; Primary Care & Cancer; 12/15.

PNAS article on loss-of-function mutations in a specific gene; Matthew Wolfgang; BioWorld Today; 12/7.

Non-Hodgkins lymphoma; Mark Kaminski, MD; MSNBC; 12/5-7.

Dentistry
How to care for children's teeth; Robert Feigal, DDS PhD; Ann Arbor Family Press, Toledo Family Press; 12/98.

Geriatrics
Turner Center writers’ group; Helen Hill; Ann Arbor News; 12/30.

Health/Wellness
Child seats; Kathleen Weber, MA; Detroit News; 12/8.

Drinkwise program; Kathy Klykylo, MSW; Ann Arbor News; 12/29.

Alcohol education resources; Chelsea Arbor Treatment, Drinkwise; Ann Arbor News; 12/8.

Holiday stress; Martha Stavros, MSW; WPHM Radio Port Huron; 12/22.

Holiday stress; Caroline Mandel, MS, RD; Women’s Healthstyle; 12/15.

Hiring a personal trainer; Audrey Hazekamp; Observer-Eccentric newspapers; 12/23.

Internal Medicine
Treatment of H. pylori and cancer risk; William Chey, MD; Gastroenterology Journal; 12/2.

Center for research into alternative cardiology care; Press Release; Science; 12/18.

New anti-anthrax agent tested at UMHS; James Baker, Jr., MD; AMA Radio; 12/12.

White-coat hypertension; Cites 1990 research by Stevo Julius, MD; Science News; 12/12.

U-M Study with Intel on e-mail between physicians and patients; David Stern, MD; Good Housekeeping; 12/4.

Time management of the congestive heart failure patient; Robert Cody, MD, Karen Stemmer, RN, MSN; CHF Disease Mgt.; 12/7.

Managed Care
Flawed HMO guidelines; Jack Billi, MD; USA Today; 12/7.

Access to medical records; Peggy Asbury, BSN, MS; Medicine & Behavior; October issue.

Medical School
Allen Lichter named interim dean; Press Release; Ann Arbor News, Detroit Free Press, AAMC website, Michigan Daily, ASTRO Newsletter, Detroit Jewish News; 12/1-28.

New historical center for the health sciences; Howard Markel, MD; Ann Arbor New;s 12/15.

Med schools re-emphasize community service; Gilbert Omenn, MD PhD; American Medical News; 12/14.

Frederick Neidhardt’s retirement; Frederick Neidhardt, MD; Michigan Daily; 12/11.

Neurology
Sleep disorders; Ronald Chervin, MD; Alternative and Complementary Therapy Journal; 12/17.

Obstetrics/Gynecology
Large number of twins born at Mott; Robert Hayashi, MD, Steven Donn, MD; Ann Arbor News, WEMU-FM, WAAM- AM; 12/21-24.

Operations/Administration
Valet parking at the ER; Gilbert Omenn, MD, PhD; Ann Arbor News; 12/20.

Pediatrics
Port Huron girl treated at Mott for severe injuries; Pete Barkey; Port Huron Times Herald; 12/23.

6-year-old girl suffering from leukemia; Various staffers; Jackson Citizen-Patriot; 12/28.

Child critically injured in Dearborn house fire; Pete Barkey; Channel’s 2,4,7 and 50, Detroit News,Detroit Free Press, Ann Arbor News, Associated Press, WWJ and WJR; 12/28-29.

Pharmacy
Shortage of clot-busting drug; Nabil Khalidi; Ann Arbor News; 12/29.

Psychiatry
Demonstrating value of psychiatric services; Stanley Berent, PhD; The APA Monitor; 12/98.

Academic behavioral health care; Thomas Carli, MD; Behavioral Healthcare Tomorrow; 12/98.

Research
Tissue engineering; David Mooney, PhD, Steve Goldstein, PhD, Jeffrey Bonadio, MD, Robert Levy, MD; Ann Arbor News; 12/24.

Surgery
Brain implant reduces tremor; Oren Sagher, MD; CBS News; 12/1-7.

Daughter-to-mother kidney transplant; Transplant Program; Battle Creek Enquirer; 12/6.

The early days of U-M heart transplant program; Francis Pagani, MD; Ann Arbor News; 12/21.

Knee braces Ed Wojtys, MD; Oxygen (a national women’s magazine); 12/7.

Link between women’s knee injuries and hormones; Ed Wojtys, MD; USA Weekend; 12/13.

Holiday party for heart transplant families; Cindy Donaldson, BSN, Jan Meinhardt; Detroit Free Press, Ann Arbor News, Detroit News, Port Huron Times Herald, Channels 2 and 7, WWJ-AM; 12/18.

Saline breast implants Paul Cederna, MD; Detroit Free Press; 12/15.

30th anniversary of first UM heart transplant; Ann Arbor News; 12/23.

Live-donor liver transplants; Jonathan Bromberg, MD; Ann Arbor News; 12/31.

Story on pioneering work on HeartMate a left ventricular assist device, Francis Pagani, MD Observer-Eccentric newspapers, 12/98.

Update on infant who received heart transplant; Ralph Mosca, MD; Channel 7’s Healthy Living Live; 12/28.

Neurosurgery resident returns from White House fellowship; Sanjay Gupta, MD; Ann Arbor News; 12/31.

Feature on U-M football team doctor; Gerry O’Connor, MD; Ann Arbor News; 12/28.

Technology
Webcare clinical information system; Kurt Richardson Health Data Management; 12/98.

November 1998

HIGHLIGHTS

HEART NEWS --- Cardiologist Betram Pitt was a busy man at the annual American Heart Association's annual Scientific Sessions in Dallas in November. He was the lead spokesman for two important research trials which garnered international press attention.

One of the studies (called AVERT) demonstrated the significant cardiovascular benefits achieved by aggressively reducing "bad" cholesterol. The other (called RALES) concluded that a new treatment regimen reduced mortality in patients with severe heart failure by 27 percent.

The AVERT trial was covered by CNN, the Wall Street Journal, the Associated Press, United Press International, Reuters News Service, and the Bloomberg and Dow Jones wire services. The various wire service reports were carried by hundreds of newspapers, TV stations, and radio stations nationally.

The RALES study, meanwhile, received regional TV and newspaper coverage in Detroit, Flint, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Houston, Cleveland, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Columbus, Norfolk, Omaha, Memphis, Toledo, and many other markets. In addition, RALES generated international coverage in Argentina, Brazil, France, Japan, the UK, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Canada, and Germany. Inquiries from trade publications suggest the story will appear in numerous journals in the coming months as well.

YOU HAVE MAIL, DOC --- During an Internet Health Day press conference sponsored by Intel, Dr. David Stern of the Internal Medicine Department detailed his plans to study the efficacy of e-mail communication between doctors and patients. The event attracted dozens of media outlets including CBS News, Wired magazine, JAMA, Silicon Valley News Agency, the Wall Street Journal, and Modern Physician. So far, Dr. Stern's project has been featured in the Boston Globe, the Sacramento Bee, and the Philadelphia Inquirer and on several Detroit area radio stations.

OOPS --- Last month's Media Report should have identified Dr. Sara Warber as a member of the Family Practice Department and Dr. Stewart Wang as a member of the Surgery Department.

UMHS IN THE NEWS
Listed by topic; subject; media outlet; date of report or interview.

Cancer
Promising treatment for neuroblastoma; Val Castle, MD; Channel 7; 11/2.

Anti-angiogenesis; Sofia Merajver, MD, George Brewer, MD; Channel 7; 11/11.

Treatment for non-Hodgkins lymphoma; Mark Kaminski, MD; Dateline NBC, MSNBC;11/1.

Dermatology
Multiple melanomas research; Dermatology Dept.; Modern Medicine; 11/15.

Emergency Medicine
New skin adhesive called Dermabond; James Quinn, MD; Parent Magazine; 11/98.

Geriatrics
Peri-menopause and memory loss; Lynn Stern; Free Press; 11/24.

Caregiving; Ruth Campbell; Living Healthy Magazine; 11/98.

Health/Wellness
Partnership for Health program; John Billi, MD; Physician’s Practice Digest; November issue.

Great American Smoke-out; Linda Thomas; Ann Arbor News, Muskegon Chronicle; 11/18.

Medical Center smoking ban; Linda Thomas; Ann Arbor News; 11/19.

Mother who saved her family children in fire; Patient and family; Channel 4 (Detroit); 11/15.

Human Genetics
Progress in ”gutted” viral vector for gene therapy; Jeffrey Chamberlain, PhD; A2 News; 11/5.

Genetics and privacy; Elizabeth Petty, MD; Michigan Public Radio; 11/18.

Internal Medicine
AVERT trial assesses aggressive cholesterol reduction; Bertram Pitt, MD; Wall Street Journal, CNN, AP, UPI, Reuters, Bloomberg, Dow Jones, Newsday, Atlanta Constitution, Baltimore Sun, Charlotte Observer, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, San Antonio Express-News, Cincinnati Enquirer, TIME Magazine, National Post of Canada, KDFW-TV in Dallas, WGNO-TV in New Orleans, WJBK-TV in Detroit, WAGA-TV in Atlanta, Family Life Radio (8 affiliates), Lifestyle Radio Network (35 affiliates), Shadow Broadcasting Network (100 affiliates), UPI radio (1,500 affiliates, and at least 80 additional radio stations nationwide; 11/12.

RALES trial finds new treatment for heart failure reduces mortality; Bertram Pitt, MD; CNN, Reuters, WPVI-TV in Philadelphia, WJBK-TV in Detroit, WAGA-TV in Atlanta, WHOU-TV in Houston, WEWS-TV in Cleveland, KFOX-TV in El Paso, KMOV-TV and KVTI-TV in St. Louis, WLFL-TV in Raleigh/Durham, WITI-TV in Milwaukee, WBNS-TV in Columbus, WNAC-TV in Providence, KSLA-TV in Shreveport, WLFL-TV in Durham, WVEC-TV in Norfolk, KPTM-TV in Omaha, WMC-TV in Memphis, WTOL-TV in Toledo, Dallas Morning News, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Flint Journal, and numerous newspapers and health publications in Argentina, Brazil, France, Japan, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Canada, and Germany.

E-mail communication between doctors and patients; David Stern, MD; Boston Globe, Sacramento Bee, Philadelphia Inquirer, Health Care Weekly Review.

BCTP kills anthrax spores; James Baker Jr., MD; Atlanta Journal; 11/17.

Black women far more likely to die from heart disease than white women; Lori Mosca, MD; Ann Arbor News; 11/11.

Advances in mitral valve repair; Steven Bolling, MD; Reuters News Service, Detroit Free Press, Dallas Morning News; 11/10.

Medical School
PTEN tumor suppressor; Jack Dixon, PhD; Dallas Morning News; 11/6.

M-CARE
Federal workers lose Care Choices option; Tim George; Ann Arbor News; 11/3.

Labor/management issues between physicians and health insurers; Jack Billi, MD; Dallas Morning News; 11/13.

Neurology
ALS and Jack Kevorkian patient; John Wald, MD; Detroit News; 11/2.

Ophthalmology
Surgical lasers; Ron Kurtz, MD; Lasers & Optronics; 11/9.

Cataract surgery; Alan Sugar, MD; Associated Press; 11/12.

Otolaryngology
How technology can enhance human senses; David Anderson, PhD, John Middlebrooks, PhD, Josef Miller, PhD; Technology Review; 11/10.

Pediatric hearing loss; Susan Garetz, MD; Toledo Family Press, Ann Arbor Family Press; 11/12.

Noise-related hearing loss; Josef Miller, PhD; Cooking Light; 11/3.

Pathology
Search for patients who received Hepatitis-C tainted blood; Harold Oberman, MD; Detroit News; 11/30.

Pediatrics
Infant nutrition guidelines; Gary Freed, MD; WWJ-AM; 11/11.

Sleep disorders in children; Ronald Chervin, MD; Women’s World Mag;. November issue.

Gary Freed named director of General Pediatrics; Press release; M.D. News; November issue.

People
Feature on hospital volunteer; Ernestina Parravano; Ann Arbor News; 11/3.

Neurosurgery resident finishes White House fellowship; Sanjay Gupta, MD; WWJ-AM; 11/20.

Community rallies behind U-M pediatric patient with hypoplastic left heart syndrome; Patient’s family; Shreveport (La.) Times; 11/15.

Marrow drive for patient with severe aplastic anemia; Lakeshia Bryant; Ann Arbor News; 10/29.

Physical Medicine and Rehab
Chronic pain and depression; Michael Geisser, PhD; Anesthesiology News; October issue.

Psychiatry
Evolution and origins of disease; Randolph Nesse, MD; Scientific American; November issue.

Surgery
Heart transplant; Gary Neidhardt; Channel 12 (Flint); 11/24.

Cryosurgery forprostate cancer; James Montie, MD; Free Press; 11/27.

Microwave therapy for enlarged prostate; Bill Belville, MD; Ann Arbor News; 11/17.

Technology
Data integration; Bruce Friedman, MD; CAP Today; 11/15.

October 1998

HIGHLIGHTS

3,000 PHONE CALLS --- On Nov. 1, Dateline NBC broadcast a glowing 10-minute report on Dr. Mark Kaminski’s promising experimental treatment of patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In the days that followed, more than 3,000 people called or e-mailed the U-M Health System for more information. In addition, NBC and Coulter Pharmaceuticals, the company that produces the medication used in Kaminski’s lymphoma trials, also reported a “fabulous” public response. (The medication, called Bexxar, is scheduled to be submitted to the FDA for approval by the end of the year.) Thanks to Kaminski’s office staff and the Office of Planning and Marketing’s Telecare service and Cancer Answer Line, all those callers received courteous, helpful responses. Information packets were mailed to more than 2,000 people, including potential patients and referring physicians. Many others dialed up websites where they obtained more information. And scores were referred to Coulter for information about clinical trials they might qualify for.

ON THE RECORD --- CEO Gilbert Omenn, MD, PhD, and Bob Merion, MD, chief of the Transplant Division, both had op-ed articles published in the Detroit Free Press during the past month or so. Omenn’s article outlined ways to improve the health of Michigan residents and Merion’s article, submitted in collaboration with his counterpart at the Henry Ford Health System, challenged proposed federal rules for allocating donor organs.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE --- The announcement that UMHS received a $5.7 million NIH grant to investigate the safety and efficacy of alternative medicines generated local and national media attention. JAMA, the Associated Press, trade publications including Heart Info and the Complementary and Alternative Therapy journal, and the Detroit News, the Free Press, the Ann Arbor News, WWJ, and Michigan Radio, among others, covered the story. The center is co-directed by the Surgery Department’s Steve Bolling, MD, and Internal Medicine’s Sara Warber, MD.

UMHS IN THE NEWS
Listed by topic; subject; media outlet; date of report or interview.

Cancer
Tumor immunization study; James J. Mule, PhD; Patient Care; 10/15.

Business alliances between cancer centers; Max Wicha, MD; Crain’s Detroit Business; 10/27.

Community rallies behind cancer patient; Mott Children’s Hospital; Sturgis Journal; 10/17.

Community supports child with leukemia; Mott Children’s Hospital; The Adrian Daily Telegram; 10/23.

New neuroblastoma treatment shows promise for pediatric patient; Valerie Castle, MD; Channel 7; 10/20.

Anti-angiogenesis trial; Sofia Merajver, MD; George Brewer, MD; Channel 7; 10/20.

Insurers resist paying for clinical trials; Allen Lichter, MD; Family Practice News; 10/1.

Dermatology
Examining the true cost of pharmaceuticals; Charles Ellis, MD; Dermatology Times; 10/15.

Emergency Medicine
Study examines effects of crashes; Stewart Wang, MD; Nashville Automotive Report; 10/15.

Skin glue for wounds; James Quinn, MD; Daily Record; 10/15.

Family Practice
Alternative medicine and medical education; Sara Warber, MD; Alternative & Complementary Therapies; 10/2.

Diagnosis of depression in family practice; Michael Klinkman, MD; WWJ, Michigan Daily, WAAM, KCSN (Calif.); 11/98.

Geriatrics
UMHS physician named to hall of fame; Dorrie Rosenblatt, MD; Ann Arbor News; 10/22.

John Glenn in space; Jeffrey Halter, MD; WWJ-AM; 10/29.

Exercise classes help seniors; Nia Aguirre; Ann Arbor News; 10/28.

New geriatric clinic in A2; Turner Geriatric Clinic; Ann Arbor News; 10/3.

Health Centers
Update on “clinic wars" in Novi/Canton; Dave Wilkins; Ann Arbor Observer; October issue.

Struggle may force St. Joseph patients to U-M; Tom Campbell; Ann Arbor News; 10/26.

UMHS adds clinics in Canton, Novi; Edward Goldberg, MD; Crain’s Detroit Business; 10/19.

Health/Wellness
Scotty Bowman shows benefit of healthy lifestyle; Gil Omenn, MD, PhD; Detroit Free Press; 11/2.

Rare diseases and patient support; Jess Thoene, MD; Detroit Free Press; 11/3.

Human Genetics
Deafness gene research; Sally Camper; NCRR Reporter; 10/26.

U-M team stores DNA lab on tiny chip; Mark A. Burns; David T. Burke; Detroit News; 10/28.

Center for Gene Therapy; Gary Nabel, MD; Michigan Daily

Internal Medicine
Drug-resistant HIV in sperm; Daniel Kaul, MD; Remedy Magazine; 10/15.

Safer dissemination of drugs; Robert Fontana, MD; Managed Care; 10/98.

Abdominal fat and heart disease; Kathy Rhodes, Ph.D., RD; Detroit News; 10/15.

Diagnosing arrhythmia; Cardiology; The Gray Sheet; 10/5.

Allergy season; James Baldwin, MD; Detroit News; 10/6.

Hepatitis C conference; Anna Lok, MD; Ann Arbor News; 10/4.

E-mail between doctors and patients; David Stern, MD; WWJ, A2 News, Michigan Radio Network; 10/28.

Nail-patella syndrome; Paul Lichter, MD; Detroit Free Press; 11/3.

Anthrax research; James Baker, MD; United Press International, Medical Post of Canada, Emergency Medicine News, Pharmacy Practice News, General Surgery News, Technology Review; 10/14- 11/2.

Medical School
High-tech delivery of anatomy curriculum; Brian Athey, Ph.D; Science Magazine; 10/29.

Facial reconstruction of mummies; Denis Lee, MA; WYUR-AM; 10/27.

Grant received for alternative medicine research; Sara Warber, MD; Stephen Bolling, MD; Detroit News, Health Care Weekly Review, Complementary & Alternative Therapy journal, A2 News, WAAM, WWJ, WUOM, Detroit Free Press, JAMA, Heart Info, Associated Press; 10/9-24.

M-CARE
HMO report card; M-CARE; Free Press; 10/6.

Analysis of HMO’s finances; M-CARE; Free Press; 10/7.

How to choose a health plan; M-CARE Free Press; 10/7.

Obstetrics/Gynecology
Q&A on vaginal infection; Catherine A. Churgay, MD; The Female Patient; 10/30.

Operations/Administration
Interpretation services for foreign-speaking patients; Michael Fetters, MD; Michelle Harris; Ann Arbor News; 10/17.

Prescriptions on computer; Gene Eavy; Ann Arbor News; 10/20.

Clinicians steer standardization effort; Catherine Gage Ricciuti, RN; Healthcare Purchasing News; 10/15.

Ophthalmology
Fundraiser for genetic research; Paul Sieving, MD; Detroit Free Press; 10/20.

Otolaryngology
U-M’s Vestibular Testing Center; Rhussam El-Kashlan, MD; Rosemary Speers; Ann Arbor News; 10/25.

Pediatrics
Family objects to common antibiotic ointment for newborn; Roger Faix, MD; Ann Arbor News; Channel 4; 10/16.

Halloween events at Mott; Karen Foulke; WEMU; 10/28.

Walk to Remember; Rosenne Ramen, RN; WSJM Radio; 10/6.

Mott motorcycle rally; Child Life Services; Detroit News, Oakland Press, Associated Press, Ann Arbor News, Channel 2, WNIC, WWJ, Milford Times;10/4.

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Best rehab services; US News & World Report; Rehab Management; 10/98.

Radiation Oncology
Risk of PSA-defined prostate cancer progression; James Hayman, MD; Urology Times; 10/15.

Surgery
Editorial on proposed rules for organ allocation; Robert Merion, MD; Detroit Free Press; 10/14.

Surgeons who trained under Dr. Debakey; Lazar Greenfield, MD; USA Today; 10/24.

Transplant reunion; Transplant Program; The Learning Channel; 10/1.

Knee injuries and women; Ed Wojtys, MD; New Woman Magazine, Jackson Citizen Patriot, Detroit News; 10/15.

Technology
Software working well for UMHS; Laura Patterson; Ann Arbor News; 10/14.

September 1998

HIGHLIGHTS:

ANTI-ANTHRAX AGENT -- Jim Baker, head of the Allergy Division, presented the findings of his exciting research investigating the effectiveness of a new anti-microbial agent that kills anthrax and influenza in mice. The subsequent media campaign generated coverage from United Press International, the Times of London, Agence France Presse, the Ann Arbor News, The Medical Gazette, Michigan Radio, and several Internet medical news sites. In addition, CNN and Dateline have expressed interest in following the story.

AFTER-EFFECTS OF APARTHEID -- The announcement that Family Practice physician Jeffrey Sonis is investigating the psychological effects of testifying before South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission generated interest from the Chronicle of Higher Education, Wired magazine, the American Psychological Association Monitor, and the Michigan Daily, among others.

BEST DOCS -- Approximately 200 UMHS physicians were included in The Best Doctors in America: 1999 Edition. Neurosurgery's Karin Muraszko was among seven Michigan doctors showcased in The Detroit Free Press and the Cancer Center's Max Wicha and Greg Yanik were interviewed by Channel 4. As a result of several internal inquiries, we will develop and distribute a memo explaining how the list is compiled, its methodology, and why several of our Best Doctors were not identified as U-M physicians by Woodward/White, the company that compiles and publishes the list.

PROMOTING RESEARCH FUNDING -- Local and regional activities related to the national March on Washington, a campaign calling for increased funding for cancer research, spurred coverage from the Detroit News, the Free Press, the Ann Arbor News, WAAM, WJR, WWJ, WTKA, the Associated Press, and Channels 4 and 7. In a separate campaign, UMHS CEO Gilbert Omenn and Associate Dean Irwin Goldstein were interviewed on a couple dozen radio stations regarding a recent UM-sponsored survey showing Michigan residents' strong support for medical research.

UMHS IN THE NEWS
(Listed by topic, subject/spokesperson, media outlet, date of report or interview)

Cancer
Newly approved breast cancer drugs; Max Wicha, M.D., Hematology/Oncology; Channel 50; 9/3.

Ann Schott, M.D., Hematology/Oncology; Detroit Free Press; 9/3

March on Washington and related activities to promote research funding; Cancer Center; Detroit Free Press, Detroit News, Ann Arbor News, WAAM, WWJ, WJR, WTKA, Associated Press, Channels 4 and 7, Michigan Health-Care News; 9/8-27.

Risk factors for breast cancer; Sofia Merajver, M.D., Hematology/Oncology; Detroit News; 9/23.

Personal Touch boutique for cancer patients; Anne Marie Ballew, Orthotics and Prosthetics; Ann Arbor News; 9/14.

Insurers and clinical trials; Allen S. Lichter, M.D., Radiation Oncology; OB/Gyn News; 9/1.

Research funding; Allen Lichter, M.D., Radiation Oncology; Washington Post; 9/26.

School superintendent receives cancer treatment; Andrew DeSaeger, Huron Valley Schools; Huron Valley Heritage, 9/13.

Family Practice
$1 million federal grant; Lee Green, M.D.; Detroit News, A2 News, Health Care Weekly Review, Family Practice News, Modern Health Care, Medcast, Family News in Focus, American Health Line, Reuters’ Health News Service; 9/10.

South Africa truth commission study; Jeffery Sonis, M.D.; WAAM-AM, Michigan Daily, Michigan Health-Care News, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Wired magazine, American Psychological Association Monitor, 9/10-30.

Forum on physician-assisted suicide; David Doukas, M.D.; WDET-FM, WAAM, Ann Arbor News, WUOM; 9/14-21.

Health Centers
New Northville health center; Joe Diederich, Administration; Novi News; 9/29.

Health/Wellness
Hidden hazards of OTC drugs; Mark Lowell, M.D., Surgery, Chest Pain Center; Glamour magazine, Sept. issue.

Healthy dining for students; Nelda Mercer, M.S., R.D., M-Fit; Ann Arbor News, 9/8.

High fit, low fat diets, Lizzie Burt, R.D., Nelda Mercer, R.D., M-Fit; Ann Arbor News; 9/23.

Healthful aspects of grape juice and red wine; Caroline Mandel, R.D., MedSport; The Macomb Daily; 9/8.

HealthMedia, Inc. corporate venture; Vic Strecher, Ph.D., Cancer Center; Detroit News, Ann Arbor News; 9/24.

Health forum for African American teens; Oliver Johnson, Multicultural Health Office; WUOM, WAAM, Ann Arbor News; 9/15-20.

Healthy after-school lunches; Kathy Goldberg, R.D., M-Fit; Channel 2; 9/1.

Healthy Labor Day picnics; Lizzie Burt, IACP, M-Fit; Channel 2; 9/3.

Tailgate picnics; Lizzie Burt, IACP, M-Fit; Channel 2; 9/10.

After-school snacks; Nelda Mercer, M.S., R.D., M-Fit; Channel 2; 9/17.

Body Mass Index; Nelda Mercer, M.S., R.D., M-Fit; Channel 2; 9/22.

Dinner in a hurry; Lizzie Burt, IACP, M-Fit; Channel 2; 9/24.

Diabetes, diet, and exercise; Doug Green, M.D., Internal Medicine; Channel 2; 9/29.

Healthy tailgating; M-Fit; Ann Arbor News; 9/23.

Human Genetics
Gene therapy trial; Jeff Chamberlain, M.D.; Ann Arbor News; 9/4.

Genetics-related legislation; Beverly Yashar, Ph.D., Genetic counseling; Health Care Weekly Review; 9/9.

Internal Medicine
Asthma prevention; Randall Brown, M.D., Pulmonology; Detroit Free Press; 9/15.

Oesterling gains surgical privileges in Saginaw; Joseph Oesterling, M.D.; Ann Arbor News; 9/16.

Designer hormones; Lori Mosca, M.D., Cardiology; Ann Arbor News; 9/10.

Tuberculosis and hot tubs; Carol Chenoweth, M.D., Infectious diseases; Prevention magazine; 9/98.

Peripheral arterial disease screening; Cardiology division; Health Care Weekly Review; 9/23.

Hypertension research; Ken Jamerson, MD, Hypertension; Family Practice News; 9/1.

Cardiac arrest trial; Cardiology division; Emergency Medicine; 9/15.

African Americans and high blood pressure/kidney disease; Ken Jamerson, MD, Hypertension; Michigan Radio (WUOM in Ann Arbor, WVGR in Grand Rapids, WFUM in Flint); 9/29.

Gene therapy developments; Gary Nabel, MD, Center for Gene Therapy; United Press International; 9/25.

Tele-management program; Karen Stemmer, RN, Cardiology; Cardiovascular Disease Management; Sept. issue.

M-Care
New executive director named; Zelda Geyer-Sylvia, MpH; Health Care Weekly Review, Michigan Healthcare Business, AHA News, 9/1-30.

Confusion over coverage; Meeyung Schmitter; Ann Arbor News; 9/13.

No plans for M-Care preference for U-M staff; Lee Bollinger, JD, U-M president; Ann Arbor News; 9/29.

Medical School
AIDS researchers receive grant; Center for Gene Therapy; Lansing State Journal, 9/2; Battle Creek Enquirer, 9/1; Kalamazoo Gazette, 9/2; The Herald-Palladium, 9/1; Ann Arbor News, 9/1; Associated Press.

Importance of biomedical research; Gill Omenn, MD, PhD, WJKZ-FM, WXFD-FM, 9/16; Irwin Goldstein, PhD, WMKC-FM, WHFB-FM, WYCK-FM, WATZ-FM, WKHQ-FM, WHSB-FM, WVGR-FM, WJLB-FM, WHNN-FM, WGRY-FM, WJNR-FM, WUGN-FM, WYSS-FM, WJIM-AM.

Medical School’s sesquicentennial; Robert Bartlett, MD, Surgery; Ann Arbor News; 9/8.

Operations/Administration
Managed care; John Billi, MD, Medical School; Detroit News; 9/16.

Dr. Omenn’s first year; Gil Omenn, MD, Ph.D.; Ann Arbor News; 9/28.

Greetings to incoming students; Gil Omenn, MD, Ph.D.; Michigan Daily; 9/8.

M-Share payout; Finance department; Ann Arbor News; 9/17.

New finanace director appointed; Douglas Strong; Modern Healthcare, AHA News, Michigan Healthcare Business, Health Care Weekly Review; 9/1-30.

Ophthalmology
Physician travels to developing countries to fight blindness; Paul Lichter, MD, Ophthalmology; Ann Arbor News; 9/21.

Lichter named to International Council of Ophthalmology; Paul Lichter, MD; Michigan Healthcare Business; 9/15.

IntraLase, Inc. business venture; Ron Kurtz, MD; Ann Arbor News; 9/10.

Pathology
Conference on clinical information management; Pathology Department; C A P Today; 9/15.

Pediatrics
New director of general pediatrics; Gary Freed, MD; Ann Arbor News, Michigan Health-Care News; 9/14.

Motorcycle rally a fundraiser for Mott; Karen Foulke, Child Life Services; Detroit News, Oakland Press, Ann Arbor News, 9/17.

People
Marathon runner for Leukemia Society; Nelda Mercer, MS, RD, M-Fit; Ann Arbor News; 9/24.

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Medical benefits of yoga; Shaun Riney, PT, ATC; Michigan Daily; 9/18.

Psychiatry
Alcoholism; Ken Adams, Ph.D.; National Public Radio; 9/30.

Radiology
Positive employment outlook for radiologists; N. Reed Dunnick, M.D.; R T Image; 8/31.

Cancer study; Radiology Departmen;t Diagnostic Imaging Europe; 9/15.

Surgery
Pediatric heart transplant; Ralph Mosca, M.D., Thoracic; Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Ann Arbor News, Channel 7, Michigan Health-Care News; 9/16.

Study of auto-related trauma; Stewart Wang, M.D., Trauma Burn; Detroit News; 9/16.

Spider bites; Hernan Gomez, M.D.; Channel 7; 9/2.

Emergency medicine facing difficult issues; William Barsan, M.D., Emergency Department; Ann Arbor News; 9/27.

Technology
Technology transfer; Marvin Parnes, Gil Omenn, M.D., Ph.D.; Ann Arbor News, 9/8.

Medical innovations developed at U-M; Lazar Greenfield, M.D., Surgery; David Kuhl, M.D., Internal Medicine; Robert Bartlett, M.D., Surgery; Ann Arbor News; 9/3.

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