News on the Go #688, February 17, 2009

Topics at a glance: Fort Bend County Transit ... Fleming Center Panel Discussion ... Getting Around ... Library Updates ... eLearning & Instructional Technology ... Active Learning with Technology ... Exploiting Human Subjects in Clinical Trials ... School of Public Health Events ... CCTS Lecture Series ... 2009 HIPAA / SSN Privacy Training ... Rec Sports ... Darwin2009 Houston ... President’s Town Hall ... IT SecuritySense ... Pathology Diagnostic Laboratory Newsletter ... Dress for Success ... Healthy Kids, Healthy Houston ... Brain Awareness Week Public Forum ... Tax Information Workshop ... CPR Training/Certification ... CCTS K12 Program ... UT System Wellness Programs & Services ... Dental Services ... WorkLife Wellness Tip of the Week

Fort Bend County Transit

As of Monday, Feb. 16, Fort Bend County and Texas Medical Center agreed to implement a reduced commuter service schedule for the Fort Bend Express to the Texas Medical Center. To view the new schedule, visit Fort Bend Express to Texas Medical Center. Effective at close of business on Friday, March 6, the commuter service will cease.

Fort Bend County residents can still access park and ride services into the Texas Medical Center by boarding the TREK Express Greenway at either University of Houston Sugar Land or the First Colony Mall AMC Theatre parking lots. Riders can then transfer to Houston Metro’s service at the West Belfort Park and Ride location.

Ticket holders for the Fort Bend Express may seek a refund for unused tickets from the Texas Medical Center through Friday, May 8. No tickets will be refunded after that date. To request a refund, contact the Customer Relations Department of the Texas Medical Center at 713-791-6161.

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.

Getting Around

The Getting Around section of the intranet provides all the information you’ll need to get around the Texas Medical Center.

• Traffic Alerts – UT Shuttle notices, TMC area road closures, construction notices and METRO notices.
• Commuter Options – Discover transportation options serving your area.
• Submit a Vanpool – Post or view vanpool openings.

For more information about mobility, visit the Mobility Program. For more information about parking and shuttle services, visit the Auxiliary Enterprises Parking/ Shuttle Services.

HAM-TMC Library Updates

HAM-TMC Library Classes

• 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.

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 is 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.

School of Public Health Events

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

• 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. 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.

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.

Rec Sports

Softball League

Men's and Co-Rec Softball League now forming! Registration is open until Tuesday, Feb. 24. A captain's meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 25 to go over rules and mock schedule. Every team must have one representative present. The cost to participate is $150 for UTHSC-H students, $175 for Recreation Center Members and all other UT/TMC-affiliated teams. Games will be played on Monday and Tuesday evenings 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., starting Monday, March 16. For more information, visit Rec Sports.

Basketball Tournament

Men's and Women's 5-on-5 basketball tournament scheduled to begin 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 25. A captain's meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 18. Every team must have one representative attend to receive rules and mock schedule. Cost is $75 for UTHSC-H students and current recreation center members, $100 for all other UT/TMC-affiliated teams. All games are officiated. For more information, visit Rec Sports.

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 runs through Monday, Nov. 30 and includes various events:

• 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.

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.

IT SecuritySense

“8 Tips to Keep Your Computer Virus-Free" is the focus of the February 2009 issue of the SecuritySense newsletter, available at SecuritySense online.

Pathology Diagnostic Laboratory Newsletter

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine has an online monthly newsletter. To view the February 2009 edition, visit Pathology Diagnostic Laboratory Newsletter.

Dress for Success

The Committee on the Status of Women (CSW) is sponsoring a Dress for Success Accessory Drive Monday, March 2 – Friday, March 6.

Dress for Success is a non-profit organization that assists low-income women to make tailored transitions into the workforce by providing more than 45,000 interview suits and accessories to women in more than 73 cities each year. Please look through your closets in the next few weeks for accessories that will complete their look. Black handbags, scarves and new neutral hosiery are requested.

For UTHSC representatives, additional information and drop-off locations, visit CSW Dress for Success or contact Llonda.Collins@uth.tmc.edu, 713-500-2487.

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.

"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.

Brain Awareness Week Public Forum

The Neuroscience Research Center (NRC) invites you to the 14th Annual Brain Awareness Week Public Forum, 10:30 a.m. – noon, Saturday, March 7, in the Medical School Building, Room 3.001.

This year’s forum, “Stroke and Vascular Disease", features a panel discussion moderated by James Grotta, M.D., professor and chairman of the Department of Neurology. The panel includes Drs. Andrew Barreto, Nicole Gonzales, Dong Kim and Sharon Ostwald.

This is an exceptional opportunity to learn more about this topicin a casual, lively and pleasant setting. Audience questions are welcome and admission is free and open to the public. (Registration, however, is requested.) For more information, visit the Neuroscience Research Center.

Tax Information Workshop

The Office of International Affairs is hosting a Tax Information Workshop, 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. International 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, 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.

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 UTHSC-H 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 UTHSC-H and the NIH, if accepted into the K12 program. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

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.

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 preventive colonoscopy 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.

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 80s and 90s.

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.