News on the Go #687, February 10, 2009

Topics at a glance: H.I.G.H.E.R. Fellows Travel Reports ... Surplus Warehouse Closure ... Library Updates ... School of Public Health Events ... CCTS Lecture Series ... Family Medical Leave Act ... Darwin2009 Houston ... Tax Information Workshop ... CPR Training/Certification ... Doctors Orchestra of Houston ... Fleming Center Panel Discussion ... eLearning & Instructional Technology ... Active Learning with Technology ... Exploiting Human Subjects in Clinical Trials ... 2009 HIPAA / SSN Privacy Training ... President’s Town Hall ... Healthy Kids, Healthy Houston ... CCTS K12 Program ... iModules Scholarship Program ... UT Physicians Updates ... UT System Wellness Programs & Services ... UTPD News ... Dental Services ... WorkLife Wellness Tip of the Week

H.I.G.H.E.R. Fellows Travel Reports

Frontiers in Global Health presents “H.I.G.H.E.R. Fellows Travel Reports,” 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 10, in the UT School of Public Health Auditorium. A light buffet will be served at 5 p.m. in the first floor Pump Handle Lounge. For more information, contact Mary.L.Carroll@uth.tmc.edu, 713-500-9265.

Surplus Warehouse Closure

The surplus warehouse will be closed through Friday, Feb.13, to take inventory. The regular schedule will resume 9 a.m. – noon and 1 – 4 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 17.

We apologize for the inconvenience. If you have any questions, call Capital Assets Management at 713-500-4701.

HAM-TMC Library Updates

ABCs of DNA: Genetics for Consumers Class

Do you ever wonder what the odds are of you getting the conditions your grandparents had? Check out the class ABCs of DNA: Unraveling the Mystery of Genetics Information for Consumers 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 12, at the Houston Academy of Medicine-Texas Medical Center Library.

To register, visit HAM-TMC Library. This class is part of the Darwin2009 Houston Celebration.

HAM-TMC Library Classes

• Excel 2007 Intermediate – 10 a.m. – noon, Wednesday, Feb. 11
• PubMed – 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 17
• PowerPoint 2007 Basic – 10 a.m. – noon, Wednesday, Feb. 18
• Excel 2007 Basic – 10 a.m. – noon, Thursday, Feb. 26

All classes are free and offered in the library classroom. Click here to view the complete class schedule and register.

School of Public Health Events

The University of Texas School of Public Health (SPH) Career and Alumni Services offers the following upcoming events:

• Social Gathering: 5 – 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 11, SPH Room 102A
• Informational Session: noon – 1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 19, SPH 102A
• Informational Session: noon – 1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 26, SPH 102A

For more information, contact Pantheia.Evans@uth.tmc.edu, 713-500-9024.

CCTS Lecture Series

The Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences presents the following lecture series, noon – 1 p.m., Thursdays throughout February, in the UT Professional Building, 6410 Fannin, 11th floor. The February schedule includes:

• Feb. 12 – “How to Use the CCTS Clinical Research Units,” presented by Pablo Okhuysen, M.D., professor, Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, UT Medical School
• Feb. 19 – “Cayuse 424 Solution for Grants.gov” (a web-based application used to submit Grants.gov), presented by Johnna Kincaid, executive director, Sponsored Projects Administration, UTHSC-H
• Feb. 26 – “The Nuts and Bolts on How to Prepare Budgets for Clinical Research,” presented by Denee Velazquez, CCTS, CRU

For more information, contact Linda.N.Gilbert@uth.tmc.edu.

Family Medical Leave Act Updates

Human Resources representatives will discuss highlights of 2009 regulatory updates and the new military Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) 10 – 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 11, at the UT Dental Branch, Room 340.

Topics will include new regulations, updated FMLA procedures and revised forms. All employees may attend; supervisors, managers and administrators who process FMLA documents are strongly encouraged to attend. For more information, visit Employee Relations.

Darwin2009 Houston

Darwin2009 Houston honors the bicentennial anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species, with a year-long celebration of Darwin’s life and contributions to science. The goal of Darwin2009 Houston is to engage a broad audience in recognizing the importance of the science of evolution, supporting science education and recognizing how science affects life.

Darwin2009 Houston is Saturday, Feb. 7 – Monday, Nov. 30 and includes various events:

• Thursday, Feb. 12 – Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin 200th Birthday Celebration & ABCs of DNA Workshop
• Tuesday, Feb. 24 – Francisco Ayala, Ph.D., Lecture: “Darwin’s Gift to Science and Religion”
• Thursday, Feb. 26 – David Lipman, M.D., Lecture: “The Flu Virus Believes in Evolution”

For a complete list of events and more details, visit Darwin2009 Houston.

Tax Information Workshop

The Office of International Affairs is hosting a Tax Information Workshop 2 – 4 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 10, and a repeat session 3 – 5 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, at the School of Public Health Auditorium, Room E-101.

International students and scholars who received any payment for services in the United States during the 2008 calendar year must prepare a US income tax form and submit it to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by midnight, Wednesday, April 15, 2009. This is required even if all, or part of, your US earnings are exempt from tax under a tax treaty with your country. Internationals visitors holding J-1 or F-1 visa status should fill out and submit an IRS Form 8843 even if you received no payment while in the United States.

For more information, visit the Office of International Affairs.

CPR Training/ Certification

The University of Texas School of Nursing at Houston Alumni Association is sponsoring CPR training and certification for all healthcare professionals and students, 1 – 4 p.m., Fridays, Feb. 13, March 20 and April 10, at SON, room 370. Registration costs $50; only cash or checks are accepted for payment. For more information or registration, e-mail alumni@uth.tmc.edu.

Doctors Orchestra of Houston

The Doctors Orchestra of Houston‘s next concert, “Sounds of Hope” is 5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 15, at the Wortham Center’s Cullen Theater. Tickets: $10-$20; available at www.DoctorsOrchestraHouston.org or at the door.

The Doctors Orchestra consists of people who work in the health professions, including faculty, residents, students, researchers, therapists and dentists. This program will include the Piano Concerto No. 2 by Rachmaninoff, with the piano solo played by the noted Houston performer, Zoya Shuhatovich, and a choral work, “Sing for the Cure.” The Bayou City Chorale will join with the Doctors Orchestra for the choral work. This concert will benefit the AIDS Foundation of Houston. For more information, visit Doctors Orchestra of Houston.

Fleming Center Panel Discussion: Healthcare Leadership Challenges

The University of Texas School of Public Health’s George McMillan Fleming Center for Healthcare Management will host its third moderated panel discussion from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 17, in the auditorium of the Reuel A. Stallones Building, 1200 Herman Pressler.

Osama Mikhail, Ph.D., senior vice president of Strategic Planning, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, professor of Management and Policy Sciences, and director of the George McMillan Fleming Center for Healthcare Management, The University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston, will moderate “Hospital – Medical Staff Relations: Aligning Interests.” The panel of distinguished speakers will include Marc Boom, M.D., executive vice president, The Methodist Hospital; David Pate, M.D., CEO, St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital; and Juanita Romans, CEO, Memorial Hermann – Texas Medical Center.

This presentation is open to anyone interested. For more information, contact Shannon.M.Larson@uth.tmc.edu, 713-500-3252.

eLearning and Instructional Technology

Curtis Bonk, Ph.D.,professor of instructional systems technology, School of Education, Indiana University, presents “The World is Open: Now, WE-ALL-LEARN with Web Technology,” 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 18, in the UT School of Public Health RAS Auditorium.

Opportunities for learning have expanded through a myriad of emerging distance technologies. These opportunities can be seen in ten technology trends that spell the acronym: "WE-ALL-LEARN." Lunch will be provided to the first 50 attendees.

Active Learning with Technology: Myths, Magic and Motivation

Curtis Bonk, Ph.D., professor of instructional systems technology, School of Education, Indiana University, presents “Active Learning with Technology: Myths, Magic and Motivation,” 10 a.m. – noon, Thursday, Feb. 19, in the UT School of Public Health RAS Auditorium (W-102B). In this presentation, Bonk will dispel the myths and reveal a few technology magic tricks to help instructors and course designers focus on effective teaching and learning with technology.

Registration limited to 50 participants. Refreshments will be provided. If you would like to attend the workshop, e-mail Peggy.L.Powell@uth.tmc.edu.

Exploiting Human Subjects in Clinical Trials

The Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects presents the Distinguished Research Ethics Lecture, "Exploiting Human Subjects in Clinical Trials" by Carl Elliott, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Pediatrics & Center for Bioethics, University of Minnesota Medical School, noon – 1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 19. The lecture will be held in the UT Medical School Building, Room 1.006. For more information, contact Paula.L.Knudson@uth.tmc.edu.

2009 HIPAA / SSN Privacy Training Compliance Series

The Offices of Legal Affairs and Information Technology launched the 2009 HIPAA / SSN Privacy Training Compliance Series required of all UT Health Science Center at Houston employees. All employees must complete this training by Monday, Feb. 23.

This online training is located within the Training & Resource Center (TRC) and takes approximately two hours to complete. Detailed instructions to access and complete the training are below. You must review the training content and complete the associated assessments in order to receive credit. If you need to request a paper version of this training, please contact Megan Williford in Human Resources at 713-500-3074 or Megan.Williford@uth.tmc.edu.

If you have questions about the HIPAA training content or assessment, please contact the Office of Legal Affairs: Christina Solis, J.D., at 713-500-3305. If you have questions about the SSN training content or assessment, please contact Information Technology: Beverly Moore at 713-500-2251. If you experience technical issues or need help with the TRC please contact: the UT Help Desk at 713-500-4848 or Megan Williford at 713-500-3074, TRCAdmin@uth.tmc.edu.

Instructions for accessing and completing the “2009 HIPAA / SSN Privacy Training Compliance Series”

1. Please visit https://mytrc.uth.tmc.edu and log in using your UT Health Science Center User-ID and password

2. Once logged in to the Training & Resource Center (TRC), you will be on your ‘My TRC’ homepage with your name listed at the top

3. There will be an orange hyper-link for "2009 HIPAA / SSN Privacy Training Compliance Series” listed under Mandatory Training on your homepage

4. Click on the hyper-link and then select the blue button "Take Course” (make sure the take course for credit box remains checked)

5. The first section of the course includes an introduction as well as instructions for completing each section of the course and printing a completion certificate

6. You must receive a green completion check mark next to EVERY section of this online training in order to receive credit and print your completion certificate

7. Make sure to follow the navigation buttons within the training and select the blue RETURN button located at the bottom of the window when completing a specific section

8. Once you have completed the course you may check your status by selecting the link for "My Training Record" located in the left tool-bar of the TRC

President’s Town Hall

Plan to attend the first of the university-wide meetings in the President’s Town Hall Meeting Series, noon – 1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 26, at the auditorium of the UT Medical School (MSB 3.001). Dr. Larry Kaiser will present important issues and address your toughest questions. Beverages and dessert will be served. For more information, contact Rose.M.Betancourt-Trevino@uth.tmc.edu.

Healthy Kids, Healthy Houston

Nancy Correa, MPH, Community Engagement Specialist, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), The University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston, and director, CAN DO Houston Initiative, will participate in a panel discussion at the 9th Annual Community Collaborations Luncheon and Forum "Healthy Kids, Healthy Houston" 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 3, at the Junior League of Houston, 1811 Briar Oaks Lane, Houston, TX 77027.

The 9th Annual Community Collaborations Luncheon and Forum, "Healthy Kids, Healthy Houston" is presented by the Community Collaborations Council, whose mission is to inspire and educate the Greater Houston community about issues that impact the lives of children and families.

Luncheon and forum tickets are $25 and may be purchased at The Junior League of Houston, Inc. Space is limited; advance registration is requested by Friday, Feb. 27. For more information about the luncheon and forum, contact Kathleen Brickley at 713-871-6679, diversity@juniorleaguehouston.org.

CCTS K12 Program

The Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS) is now accepting applications for the K12 training program. Funding is available for fellows, instructors, and assistant professors. Applications are due no later than 5 p.m., Tuesday, March 3. The purpose of the program is to support the training and career development of young medical and health professionals conducting clinical or translational research.

Eligible applicants include medical fellows, medical or clinical instructors or assistant professors (with M.D., D.O., D.D.S., or D.S.N.), and health professional instructors or assistant professors (with a Ph.D., D.PH. or PharmD) with a strong interest in clinical or translational research. All applicants must be engaged in, or preparing to conduct, clinical or translational research and be able to complete the entire funding period at UT Houston or M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Each applicant's department chair must confirm that the applicant will have up to 75 percent protected time as defined by UT Houston and the NIH, if accepted into the K12 program. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

For more information on the K12 program, visit CCTS K12 Program. Potential applicants with questions may contact Jon Tyson, M.D., MPH, at Jon.E.Tyson@uth.tmc.edu, 713-500-5651, or Claudette.Ocampo@uth.tmc.edu, 713-500-5637.

iModules Scholarship Program

iModules, an online alumni community, will provide individual $2,500 scholarships to five students enrolled in secondary or higher education institutions that are current iModules clients. The iModules Educational Scholarship Program was established in March 2008 and was founded on the belief in assisting students with pursuing their educational goals.

Visit the 2009 iModules Scholarship Program site for more information or to apply. Application deadline is Wednesday, April 15. Winning students will be notified by May 1, 2009.

UT Physicians Updates

Hyperbaric Medicine, Wound Healing and Lymphedema Management Services

Hyperbaric Medicine, Wound Healing and Lymphedema Management Services are now offered at the UT Professional Building. The UT Physicians Hyperbaric Medicine, Wound Healing clinic has expanded to better serve UT patients.

Services include:

• Consultations for leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, lymphedema and varicose veins with or without leg ulcers
• Treatment of symptomatic varicose veins with radiofrequency ablation
• Transcutaneous oximetry for non-invasive assessment of peripheral arterial disease
• Skin perfusion pressure for non-invasive of assessment of peripheral arterial disease
• Ultrasonic debridement of wounds Punch biopsy for non-healing wound assessment
• Coordination of home health nurse or physical therapist rendered wound treatment modalities
• Nurse-only bandage changes (following physician consultation) in clinic for patients who do not qualify for home health

For more information and appointments, call 832-325-7214 or the Nurse Line at 832-325-7286. Clinicians may direct inquiries to Latisha A. Smith, M.D., associate professor, Internal Medicine/Hyperbarics, 713-704-4628 or Latisha.A.Smith@uth.tmc.edu.

Family Medicine

Family Medicine has moved to suite 170 of the UT Professional Building. Please note that the clinic's phone number, 832-325-6500, remains the same. For more information, visit UT Family Medicine.

Otorhinolaryngology

Otorhinolaryngology has moved to suite 2700 of the Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza. Please note that the clinic's phone number has changed to 713-486-5000. For more information, visit UT Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery or The Department of Otorhinolaryngology.

UT Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery

UT Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery has moved to suite 2850 of the Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza. Please note that the clinic's phone number has changed to 713-486-5100. For more information, visit UT Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery.

NEW! UT System Wellness Programs & Services

All UT Select insured employees should have received a flyer in the mail this week announcing the new UT System “Living Well” Program that offers new benefits you can access from your computer at home, work, or your web-based mobile device. Some of the new features include:

• Online Personal Health Manager – tools & information to help you lose weight, eat better, get fit, quit smoking or better manage your stress.
• 2nd Annual UT System Physical Activity Challenge Program – encouraging you to exercise 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 6 weeks.
• 100% free colonoscopy preventive coverage.
• 24/7 Nurseline.

For additional one-on-one assistance, call and make an appointment with Wellness Coach Sam Hester, cWC, CPT, LWMC, at 713-500-3327. It’s confidential and free. Visit UT Counseling and Wellness Services for more information on the wellness services provided.

UTPD News

News and announcements from The University of Texas Police Department can be found on the Workplace page of the intranet. This new section includes safety tips, security reports and crime alerts.

Dental Services

The University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston is currently seeking individuals in need of crowns and bridges to serve as patients for our dental students. All students are closely supervised by fully licensed professors at the Dental Branch. Typical fees are about one-third of the cost normally found in the traditional private practice office.

The only difference is that the procedures performed in an educational setting are not done as swiftly as those in a private dental office. If you are interested in obtaining dental service at a reduced cost please contact Dental.Crowns@uth.tmc.edu.

WorkLife Wellness Tip of the Week

Muscle vs. Fat! We’ve all read about body fat, but what about the much less mentioned muscle mass? As we grow older, if we don’t use our muscles, we will inevitably lose a certain amount of them as we age.

Why does this matter? Our muscles are our calorie burning engine, and if we have gone from a big V-8 down to a lawnmower, no wonder we’re having trouble with our weight. The good news is that with simple weight/resistance training, you can grow your engine bigger. Research indicates that we can actually build new muscle into our 80’s and 90’s.

If you’re having trouble with that spare tire (not on your car), call and make an appointment with Wellness Coach Sam Hester, cWC, CPT, LWMC, at 713-500-3327. It’s confidential and free. For more information on the wellness services provided, visit UT Counseling and WorkLife Services.