Issue #727, November 17, 2009

News on the Go is a service of the Office of Institutional Advancement, providing timely news and information to faculty, staff, fellows, residents and students on the go. Deadline: 10 a.m. Thursday before Tuesday publication. Submit all events and deadlines to the Web Calendar. Submit other items for consideration using the News on the Go submission form.

Topics at a glance: March for Babies Reception ... UCSC Brown Bag ... Research Day 2009 ... University Travel Forum ... Secure Flight Program ... CSW Award Nominations ... Spring 2010 Registration ... UTPD Toy Drive ... SPH Book Signing ... METRO Police Sweep ... Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair ... Leadership in Action Award ... EOHS Research Seminar Series ... Employee Self Service ... IT SecuritySense ... CCTS Lecture Series ... The UT Flu Center: New Updates ... Healthcare Symposium ... Internal Medicine Grand Rounds ... Procurement Services HUB Vendor ... IT Training Classes ... HAM-TMC Library Classes

March for Babies Reception

President Larry R. Kaiser, M.D., Dan Wolterman, president and CEO of Memorial Hermann Healthcare System and March of Dimes representatives will hold a press conference at 3:30 p.m., today, Nov. 17, in MSB Webber Plaza. The March of Dimes will announce its annual Report Card on Premature Birth. Kaiser, chairman of the 2010 Houston March for Babies, invites faculty, students and staff to join in continued support of the March of Dimes by attending this conference, signing up to walk and raising funds.

The March of Dimes is committed to funding research to find the answers to premature birth and providing comfort and information to families who are affected. For updates on the Houston March for Babies and the UT Health Science Center at Houston's teams of walkers, become a fan of the university's Facebook page or visit the university’s intranet.

For more information, contact the Office of Governmental Relations, 713-500-3964.

UCSC Brown Bag

The University Classified Staff Council (UCSC) will present “Steps to a Healthy U,” a brown bag series from noon – 1 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 18, at the School of Nursing Rooms 401 – 403. This interactive session will include four short presentations: “Totally You: A Mobile Spa,” with Arnetta Meekins, “Yoga Lola Studios: Yoga & Breathing Techniques,” with Lola Scarborough, “Mary Kay Cosmetics & Skin Care,” with Tamara Jamison, and “Diet Gourmet: Sample New Delicious on-the-go Meals,” with Barbara Chaffee. Bring your own lunch; snacks and beverages will be provided.

Space is limited; please RSVP to Jacqueline.M.Mitchell@uth.tmc.edu, 713-500-5156.

Research Day 2009

The UT Health Science Center's annual Research Day, "Engines of Discovery," will take place from 8:45 a.m. – 3 p.m., Friday, Nov. 20, at the Fayez S. Sarofim Research Building of The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases. The event will include a faculty seminar followed by student and postdoctoral poster presentations. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the session.

Visit the Office of Research for guidelines and more details.

University Travel Forum

Auxiliary Enterprises-University Travel and the Expense Reimbursement department will present a Travel Forum from 2 – 4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 18, in the SON auditorium. Sheryl Nelson of Avis Rent-A-Car System and Kara Vance and Gary Headrick of Enterprise Rent-A-Car will present on the reservation process, insurance coverage provided by the contracts and more. Kim Novoa and Carol Forrester of Corporate Travel Planners will discuss booking travel and the new online booking tool. Diane Collard and Maria Hillman will provide information regarding travel policies, State contracts, and other travel information. All employees who travel on behalf of the university or arrange travel are invited to attend. Contracted vendors will be available at 1:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Diane.E.Collard@uth.tmc.edu, 713-500-8405.

Secure Flight Program

Corporate Travel Planners requires additional information from anyone booking airline reservations due to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Secure Flight program. This program requires anyone booking an airline reservation to provide the following information: name as it appears on government-issued ID when traveling; date of birth; gender; and redress number (if applicable). A redress number is an ID given to an individual by the Department of Homeland Security/TSA if the individual, in error, currently appears on a government watch list and has previously reported and resolved this issue with the TSA.

Secure Flight was developed by the Department of Homeland Security in response to the 9/11 Commission Report pertaining to the Sept.11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The Commission recommended a uniform security watch list program to enhance safety for domestic and international commercial air travel. Under the direction of the TSA, Secure Flight requires that travelers provide specific information to the airline in advance of flight – this information is matched against federal security watch and no-fly lists. Travelers are encouraged to read the information and guidance provided on the TSA website.

For more information, contact Diane.E.Collard@uth.tmc.edu, 713-500-8405.

CSW Award Nominations

The Committee on the Status of Women is accepting nominations for the 2009 Distinguished Professional Woman Award. The woman nominated must:

  • exemplify a professional woman
  • be an outstanding achiever in Houston, Texas and/or the nation
  • be respected by her peers as well as professionals in other disciplines
  • have contributed significantly to her profession
  • have made significant contributions to overall health, quality of life and public service
  • demonstrate a pioneering spirit
  • support women as both a mentor and a positive role model

Nominations are due by Monday, Nov. 23, and should be sent to Carmela Bourgeois in UCT 1716C.

For more information, visit The Committee on the Status of Women or call 713-500-3041.

Spring 2010 Registration

The Spring 2010 Schedule of Classes is now available.

  • Registration has begun for Dental Hygiene (DHYG), Dental Postgraduates (DBPG), Nursing (NURS), Medical Clinical Research (CLRS), Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS), Health Information Sciences (SHIS) and Public Health (SPH) students.
  • Open registration will take place Nov. 21 – Jan. 8; payment due Jan. 8.
  • DBPG registration is Nov. 16 – Dec. 31; payment due Jan. 4.
  • DHYG students will be registered by the Office of the Registrar on Nov. 18; payment due Jan. 4.

For more information on late registration fees and the alphabetical registration list, visit the Registrar’s Office.

UTPD Toy Drive

The UT Police Department is accepting new, unwrapped toys and gifts through Tuesday, Dec. 16, for mentally and physically ill children in the Houston area. Items for infants and adolescents are needed most and will be delivered to LBJ Hospital, Harris County Psychiatric Center and the Medical School's Department of Internal Medicine's K.I.N.D.E.Rx Clinic. Help lead this effort by becoming a toy drive coordinator and place collection boxes in your work area to encourage your co-workers' participation.

For more information, contact Captain Dominick Verini, 713-563-7790.

SPH Book Signing

The University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston will present a book signing event from 4 – 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 19, in the RAS building. The event will feature newly published works from celebrated emeritus professors of the School of Public Health, Blair Justice, Ph.D., and James H. Steele, D.V.M., M.P.H.

The professors will sign copies of their books, Justice’s “Raising Lazarus-The Science of Healing the Soul,” and Steele’s “One Man, One Medicine, One Health: The James H. Steele Story.” Proceeds from this event will benefit The Blair Justice, Ph.D., Professorship in Mind-Body Medicine and Public Health and The James H. Steele Lecture Series at the UT School of Public Health.

For more information, contact Rebecca.S.Bower@uth.tmc.edu, 713-500-9019.

METRO Police Sweep

METRO Police will be conducting an all-day sweep at the TMC Transit Center Station on Wednesday, Nov.18. All riders with TMC Q Cards, including TMC Remote Parkers will be confirmed by police using hand-held inspection devices. Anyone without a valid proof of payment including the TMC Q Card will be required to purchase a ticket.

Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair

The Medical School Employee Relations Committee (ERC) will present the 23rd Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 1, in the MSB Leather Lounge. Faculty, staff and students are invited to peruse the arts and craft work of those around the health science center. More than 30 vendors will sell homemade baked goods, jams, jellies, pickles, jewelry, quilts, wreaths and more. A raffle will take place at 2:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Kathryn.W.Merceri@uth.tmc.edu, 713-500-6385.

Michael J. Jimenez Leadership in Action Award

Faculty and staff at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston are urged to nominate a deserving colleague for the fifth annual Michael J. Jimenez Leadership in Action Award by 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 4. The award, which will be presented at the 2010 STAR Awards luncheon, honors the memory of the late Mike Jimenez, former vice-president and chief human resources officer. The award offers the individual a $5,000 cash prize and signifies the importance of leadership at our institution.

Nominations should describe the nominee's demonstration of the following leadership traits:

  • Excellent two-way communication skills
  • A commitment to enhanced collaboration and productive relationships with faculty and staff at all levels of the organization
  • Energy and enthusiasm for the work of the university
  • Appreciation for the contributions of others
  • A commitment to professional development of others
  • A consistently positive attitude
  • A commitment to do the right thing

Nominations should be sent as a word document in 12 point font and should not exceed six pages. A group may jointly nominate one person, following the same guidelines. Attach document and email with Jimenez Leadership Award in the subject line to WorkLife Coordinator Sam.Hester@uth.tmc.edu.

EOHS Research Seminar Series

The Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (EOHS) will host a research seminar series featuring, “Essential Workforce Willingness and Ability to Report to Duty Pandemic Influenza,” presented by Robyn R.M. Gershon, M.H.S., Dr.P.H., associate dean of Research Resources, professor, Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University. This presentation is scheduled from noon – 1 p.m., Friday, Nov. 20, in SPH Room 102A. Lunch will be provided for the first 50 attendees.

For more information, contact Bruce.E.Banes@uth.tmc.edu, 713-500-9462.

Employee Self Service

If you moved this year, you must update your home address in PeopleSoft. The address on file at the end of December is where W-2 statements will be mailed to when the forms are processed in January. Address changes can be made online through Employee Self Service, found at the top of the university’s Web site and Inside UT Houston. Personnel who have been employed by UTHSC-Houston longer than 60 days may no longer list a university address as their current home address.

Visit the Payroll home page for information about evaluating your tax withholding. Time is running out to make changes affecting 2009. Online training is available for Employee Self Service by logging in to the Training and Resource Center, clicking ‘Training Center’ on the left, then ‘Course Catalog,’ and typing ‘Self Service’ in the keywords search box.

For more information, contact Payroll@uth.tmc.edu.

IT SecuritySense

The November 2009 SecuritySense newsletter is now available. The newsletter is restricted to internal UT use only. Learn how to access the newsletter off campus at SecuritySense online.

Stories include:

SecuritySense, an online resource for the university, is created each month by Information Technology to discuss recent IT security issues and focus on user awareness.

CCTS Lecture Series

The Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS) will present the following lecture series, noon – 1 p.m., Thursdays throughout May, in the University Professional Building, 11th floor:

  • Nov. 19 – “Cardiovascular Complications of HIV,” presented by Tanvir Bell, M.D., assistant professor, Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, UT Medical School at Houston.

Lunch will be provided for the first 20 attendees. Please take advantage of the train or bus, CCTS will be unable to reimburse parking.

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

The UT Flu Center: New Updates

Visit The UT Flu Center for new updates that may impact your work areas and personal health. If you are off campus, simply log in with your UT ID and password. The UT Pandemic Influenza Subcommittee continues to closely monitor developments related to the H1N1 virus on a regular basis.

For more information, contact the Flu Line at 713-500-3584.

Healthcare Symposium

Rice University will present a free healthcare symposium titled, “Patient Focused Healthcare Management,” from 2:30 – 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 3, at Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business, Anderson Family Commons. The symposium is intended for physicians and healthcare executives as they share their insights on critical topics of the day. Presentations include:

  • “Healthcare 2.0: Internet and Healthcare Delivery,” presented by Paul Dholakia, Ph.D., William S. Mackey, Jr. and Verne F. Simons Associate Professor of Management, Jones Graduate School of Business, Rice University

  • “Healthcare Reform: What Does it Mean for Physicians?“ presented by Wayne Riley, M.D., president and CEO, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee

  • “Patient Satisfaction: Improving Outcomes Strategically,” presented by Vikas Mittal, Ph.D., J. Hugh Liedtke Professor of Management and Marketing, Jones Graduate School of Business, Rice University

UTHSC-H affiliates who would like to attend, must register online for this symposium.

For more information, contact Christopher.J.Lopez@rice.edu, 713-348-3186.

Internal Medicine Grand Rounds

The University of Texas Medical School at Houston presents the Department of Internal Medicine Grand Rounds, noon – 1 p.m., Tuesdays throughout November, in MSB B.500. The schedule includes:

  • Nov. 17 – “Death by Bed Rest,” presented by the Division of Geriatrics, The University of Texas Houston Medical School
  • Nov. 24 – Bhamidipati Murthy, M.D., associate professor, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, will present

All lectures are accredited for CME credit unless otherwise noted.

For more information, contact Vera.S.Jones@uth.tmc.edu.

Procurement Services HUB Vendor

Each month, the Procurement Services HUB program profiles a new HUB vendor. This month’s featured HUB vendors are Abacus Transcriptions and Flowers & Co. Learn more about both companies’ histories, products and services at Procurement Services.

For more information, contact Nina.Lahasky@uth.tmc.edu, 713-500-4862.

IT Training Classes

IT Training will offer classes for new MS Office 2007 users in University Center Tower (UCT) 1160:

  • What’s New in Office 2007 – 9 – 11 a.m., Nov. 20

To enroll, visit the Training Resource Center (TRC) and login using your UID and password. Classes are open to UTHSC-H employees as well as contract employees with approval from and prior arrangement by their department.

For more information, contact Jacqueline.Plaza@uth.tmc.edu, 713-486-4830.

HAM-TMC Library Classes

The HAM-TMC Library offers these upcoming classes:

  • PubMed – 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Nov. 17
  • Public Health Information on the Web – 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Dec. 1

All classes are free and offered in the library classroom. View the complete class schedule and register.