NEWS

4 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Awards In the Works

Four ARRA subawards have now been approved and are pending the execution of subcontracts:

• Peter Lindenauer, "CONCERT- Clinical Effectiveness Research" via University of Chicago, total BMC funding is $829,164 over two years

• Stephen Boos, "ARRA VOCA" via VOCA (Commonwealth of MA), total BMC funding is $52,109 for one year

• Maripat Toye, "Statistical and Data Management Center - Pediatric, Adolescent and Maternal CTG - PROMISE Training Coordinator" via Harvard School of Public Health, total BMC funding is unknown at this time for two years (max $354,187)

• Matthew Sadof, "NIH Health Disparities" via Department of Public Health, total BMC funding is $198,863 for two years

Dr. Heather Sankey Appointed Member  of the USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills Test Material Development Committee

Dr. Sankey and the other Development Committee members will meet once a year for 3 days, prior to which individual members construct an assigned number of test items that  are reviewed for accuracy, relevance and quality before inclusion in the test item library.

According to Dr. Sankey, this type of service is one way in which Baystate faculty can participate in what’s happening in national medical education, while promoting BMC at a national level. It is also a good opportunity to network with people in other specialties, getting a perspective on how they practice in other parts of the country. Dr. Sankey is especially looking forward to working with other physicians interested in education and in thinking critically about what makes a good doctor.

She previously served as a USMLE Step II Clinical Knowledge test item tester through the recommendation of Dr. Lisa Patterson, a fellow member of WAAM (Women Advancing in Medicine) who has also served on USMLE committees.  If you are interested in working with USMLE, please contact her.

Her appointment is effective January 2010 and will be for a minimum of 2 years.

Enrique Silva MD, Invited to Give Plenary Session at American Thyroid Association Meeting

At the September 2009 ATA meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, Dr. Silva presented the Carl T Sawin Historical Vignette plenary session. The lecture, titled "The History of Thyroid Hormone Control of Metabolic Rate,” traced the history of the knowledge of the control of basal metabolic rate and body temperature by thyroid hormones.

In addition, the work of Dr. Silva and Dr. Waile Ramadan, a post doctoral student, was among the top 10% of all abstracts submitted that were accepted for oral presentation. Their presentation was titled, "Mouse skeletal muscles have Type-2 iodothyronine deiodinase (D2) mRNA and activity. Possible role in hypermetabolism of thyroid hormone receptor alpha-deficient mice."

Laurie Gianturco, MD Served As Examiner for American Board of Radiology's Initial Certification Oral Exam

Dr. Gianturco, Chair of Baystate's Radiology Department, provided time and expertise to support the ABR exam process, which was virtually all new this year. The ABR strives to maintain a threshold of performance standards for radiology with the goal of improving patient care.

Philip Omotosho MD, PG5 Surgery Resident Received Gold Foundation's Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award

The Gold Foundation's Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes residents who have exhibited particularly strong teaching skills and are role models for compassionate, relationship-centered care. The winners were chosen by third-year medical students. Dr. Amy Kuhlik, Dean of Student Affairs, presented the awards, lapel pins and $250 checks at TUSM's Student Clinician Ceremony on July 6, 2009. Dr. Omotosho and the other winners now become members of the Gold Humanism Honor Society.

Elisabeth E. Bennett, PhD Appointed Editor for Theme Issue of Advances in Developing Human Resources

Dr. Bennett, Director of Education in Academic Affairs at Baystate Medical Center, will edit an issue of the refereed journal Advances in Developing Human Resources whose theme will focus on the emergence of Virtual Human Resource Development.

Vasantha Reddy MD, Department of Medicine, Elected BMC Faculty Senator

Feel free to contact Dr. Reddy if there are issues that you would like taken before the TUSM Faculty Senate.

Laurie Gianturco MD, Interim Chair of Radiology, Promoted to Associate Clinical Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine

Karen Dorval, Clinical Reference Librarian, Will Retire Effective November 3, 2009

Ms. Dorval has been with Baystate for 10 years. Her love of learning and researching the “tough questions” has made her an invaluable resource for Baystate staff and clinicians.

Prior to coming to Baystate, Karen was the Supervisor of the Art and Music Department at the Springfield City Library and Medical Librarian at Wing Memorial Hospital and Medical Centers in Palmer. You may call Karen at 4-1291 or drop by the library on November 3rd to say good-by and wish her well.