NEWS

Research Week 2009 Announces Keynote Speakers

For the first time, Baystate's Research Week will feature 2 keynote speakers.

• On Tuesday May 19, Robert J. Sternberg, MD's topic will be Leadership and Creativity.

• On Wednesday May 20, David C. Goodman, MD, MS will speak on the topic of Epidemiologic Muckraking: Measuring Variation in Medical Care.

• On Thursday May 21, the abstracts that receive the Research Week Awards will be presented.

The keynote addresses and abstract presnetation will be in Chesnut 1 from 12:00 - 1:00 pm. Luncheon will be served both days. For more details, visit the Research Week website.

Drs. Sarah Goff and John O'Reilly, Department of Pediatrics, Receive TUSM's Innovations in Education Intramural Grants Award

Drs. Goff and O'Reilly's proposal, "Enhancing Third-Year TUSM Students' Ethics and Professionalism Curriculum Through the Use of Video Vignettes, " was among the 5 chosen by the Selection Committee for the sixth annual grants program. The awardees' proposals support the Educational Strategic Plan, including innovative approaches to simulation-based training, education in ethics and professionalism, faculty development, clinical skills training, and strategies for enhancing cultural competency.

Brief descriptions of the proposals were published in the March OEA newsletter and posted on the Innovations Grant website,

Karen Christianson Named Director of the Baystate Human Research Protection Program (HRPP)

Karen Christianson, RN,  BSN, CCRP was promoted to Director after serving as HRPP's Manager of Integrity and Education since 2006. In that position, she supported the IRB, investigators, and research staff through educational programs and initiatives such as the creation of the Clinical Research Matrix, the development of the CIS Research Alert, and the creation of the audit program of the HRPP. Karen also oversees the Clinical Trials Support Program which was created in 2008.

The new directoship was created as a result of restructuring the HRPP and the recent naming of new Chairs for the 2 Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), Drs. Glenn Markenson and Eric Granowitz.

Ms. Christianson has worked at Baystate Health since 1989, starting as a nurse in the NICU and then as a research coordinator in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Newborn Medicine.

Karen’s office is located in the Division of Academic Affairs on the third floor of 280 Chestnut Street.  She may be reached at ext. 4-5714 or at Karen.Christianson@baystatehealth.org.

Stephen C. O'Connor MD, Program Director of Baystate's Radiology Residency, Recognized for Contributions to Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Annual Meeting

Dr. Stephen O'Connor was part of a select group of radiologists that were asked to contribute to the continuing professional development of their colleagues by serving as a faculty member at the RSNA Annual Meeting Refresher Course program. Dr. O'Connor presented 2 hands-on workshops, “Techniques of Freehand Invasive Sonography with Thermal Ablation", and “Small Parts Interventional Ultrasound.” The annual meeting was attended by more than 27,000 professionals representing 95 countries.

Sandy Reissour RN, Baystate Continuing Education Program, Wins 2009 President's Award for Excellence in Nursing from Massachusetts Association of Registered Nurses

Ms. Reissour will receive the award on Friday, April 3 at the MARN Awards Dinner.

Baystate Continuing Education Receives Continued Accreditation from American Psychological Association and Massachusetts Association of Registered Nurses

The APA Continuing Education Committee granted the Continuing Education program 5-year full approval as its March 2008 meeting. The MARN granted 3-Year approved provider status.