January 4, 2008

Welcome to the University of Michigan Medical School E-News, your source for quick and current news from the medical school community.

Remaking American Medicine: First Do No Harm
UMHS Patient & Family Centered Care Committee invites faculty, staff and students to view the second episode of "Remaking American Medicine," a four-part PBS series that explores innovative solutions to quality of care issues being taken by health care institutions at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 8 in the MCHC Auditorium.

Episode 2: "First Do No Harm" focuses on efforts to eliminate hospital-acquired infections and medical errors.

A panel discussion with Health System leadership will follow viewing of "First Do No Harm."

Presentation on "The Future of Big Pharma R&D: Moving from FIPCO to FIPNET"
This special BioArbor presentation will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 16 from 5 - 7 p.m.
(5 p.m. - Networking / 6 p.m. - Program) in the Biomedical Science Research Building Atrium and Seminar Rooms A/B/C. August Watanabe, M.D., former President of Lilly Research Laboratories, will discuss how and why biotechnology companies do more efficient drug discovery than large pharmaceutical companies and the future in which Fully Integrated Pharmaceutical Companies (FIPCO) will evolve into Fully Integrated Pharmaceutical Networks (FIPNET) of biotech and academic partners to assist with key aspects of the discovery process. Dr. Watanabe will cite examples from start-up biotechs he is involved in as well as other innovative pharma-academic alliances. Complimentary admission. To register, e-mail.

Geriatrics and Biology of Aging Pilot Grant Competition
Deadline: Monday, Feb. 4
The University of Michigan Geriatrics Center announces the availability of funds to support pilot/feasibility research in Geriatrics and in the Biology of Aging. Proposals may involve biomedical science, clinical physiology and pathophysiology, health services research, behavioral and social science research, or investigations into the basic biology of aging.

Pilot grant funding is available to full-time faculty at the University of Michigan. Most will be awarded to junior faculty, but more senior scientists are encouraged to apply if they are seeking support for new initiatives in aging or geriatrics research. Awards are for one year and will not exceed $40,000, although awardees are permitted to apply for a second year of funding on a competitive basis. At least five awards will be made.

Applications must be submitted by Monday, Feb. 4. For an application form contact Jane Heibel at jheibel@umich.edu or 647-1956. Questions: Contact Susan Brooks at svbrooks@umich.edu.

Mass Spectrometry Workshop
The Michigan Proteome Consortium offers a limited enrollment workshop on interpretation of proteomics data the first or second Wednesday of each month. The goal of this workshop is to enable clients to critically evaluate proteome mapping data obtained from our facility. This workshop consists of presentations from MPC personnel and online training in database searching. A manual for interpretation of mass spectra will be distributed with the workshop. The next session will be held Wednesday, Feb. 6 from 1 - 4 p.m. Registration is required. To register or for more information, visit the Web site.

Michigan Healthy Community Launches UnderstandingU
At some point, we've all had to deal with a difficult time or event, whether a serious illness, stress at work or home, the loss of a loved one, or some other circumstance that impacts our mental and emotional well-being. To help U-M faculty and staff cope with concerns like these, MHealthy has launched a new program called "Understanding U: Managing the Ups and Downs of Life."

UnderstandingU includes a comprehensive Web site covering the entire mental health spectrum, from everyday challenges to diagnosable, treatable illnesses such as depression. Look for information on common concerns and mental health conditions, tools and strategies to help manage everyday stress, confidential online screenings, a directory of U-M and area resources and an online tutorial for managers (available Jan. 2008).

UnderstandingU encourages all of us to be proactive about our emotional and mental health and provides useful information on how to get assistance when dealing with life's challenges.

Get Active U & Get Away! Registration now open
Are you ready to take that first step toward becoming more active? Or, do you want to take your current fitness routine to the next level? Then become a part of MHealthy's Active U 2008, the eight-week physical activity challenge designed for every fitness level. Join individually or as part of a team.

This year's program is better than ever. Not only do participants get free access to U-M rec centers during the eight-weeks but there will also be weekly drawings for such prizes as iPods, gift certificates to local retailers and free gym memberships and personal training sessions. A grand prize drawing will award one lucky winner a $500 travel voucher! So don't just think about fitness - Get Active U! To register, visit www.MHealthy.umich.edu.

Life Sciences Orchestra Concert Jan. 12
Join the U-M Life Sciences Orchestra for the first concert in its eighth season of combining music and medicine.

On Saturday, Jan. 12, at 8 p.m., the LSO will take the stage of Hill Auditorium for a free performance that is open to all, no tickets necessary.

The concert will open with remarks by Tony Denton and Beethoven's Egmont Overture, followed by a movement from the Symphonie Espagnole by Edouard Lalo, featuring Trina Stoneham on violin. Ms. Stoneham, a Pathology staff member, is the winner of the 2007 LSO Concerto Competition.

The concert will conclude with a performance of The Planets by Gustav Holst, a suite widely known for the fierce "Mars" and the sprightly "Jupiter" movements. The final movement will feature members of the Ann Arbor Cantata Singers.

The LSO is made up of physicians, scientists, students, staff, alumni and volunteers from the U-M medical, health and science community, under the baton of Clinton Smith. The LSO is part of Gifts of Art.

U-M Makes the News!
M-News Now is a Web page with timely information about members of the UMHS community who are in the news. See who is being interviewed or where their comments are being published at M-News Now!
Jan 3
--Cardiac arrest study on front page of NY Times
--Dr. Saint on CBS radio nationwide

Jan. 1
--Howard Markel in New York Times

Dec. 31
--Alexandra Stern interviewed on eugenics

Dec. 19-20
--Heart team recruitment makes the news

Dec. 18
--Nat'l Poll on Children's Health in NY Times

News Releases and Health Minute
For medical press releases and the details behind the headlines, visit http://www2.med.umich.edu/prmc/media/relarch.cfm

Next Week's Health Minute
Bring in the New Year with a new fitness routine

Medical School FAQs
Not sure where to get your questions pertaining to the U-M Medical School answered? The FAQ page links to a variety of resources on such things as information and support, educational programs, research and policy information. The site also lists some useful U-M resources.

Seminars, lectures, colloquia and events for next week