OHSU and OHSU Foundation kick off $100 million faculty fundraising initiative
This three-year initiative will raise private philanthropic support specifically for OHSU faculty members – not bricks and mortar support – but rather direct faculty support. The initiative will include up to $60 million to endow faculty positions, with the remainder to expand and support core facilities and strategic multidisciplinary collaborations. Over the summer, groups from OHSU, the OHSU Foundation and community advocates will prepare specific strategies and materials. Many faculty members participated in the comprehensive effort (the "needs assessment") to identify priority areas for fundraising and others of you will be contacted to serve as faculty champions for this initiative. For more information about this, click here.
Rachel Pilliod, Class of 2012, appointed to OHSU Board of Directors
The Oregon Senate confirmed the nomination of Rachel Pilliod to serve as the student representative on the OHSU Board of Directors. Her term begins July 1. Rachel is an MD candidate in the Class of 2012, with a focus on women's health and health policy. Rachel has been involved in higher education governance as a former student body president at the University of Oregon and a past member of the Board of Regents for the Oregon University System.
"I hope to contribute by providing a unique perspective as someone who lives and breathes life on the hill and who interacts with all facets of OHSU. I think I can be a voice for students and residents as well as health care providers, researchers, administrators and support staff."
Rachel hopes to expand opportunities for Oregon students interested in the health professions and ensure health services for rural and underserved communities. "I think OHSU can and should be at the forefront of addressing the growing need for health care access in Oregon."
Rachel is not the first member of her family to attend the School of Medicine. Her great great aunt, Grace Linklater, MD, graduated with the Class of 1925, and practiced in Oregon as a pediatrician.
U.S. News & World Report ranks OHSU education programs in Top 10 nationwide
The OHSU School of Medicine primary care program was ranked third in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in its annual survey of "America's Best Graduate Schools 2010 Edition." In a companion survey of specialty programs, the School of Medicine's Rural Medicine program ranked fourth nationwide. The School's Family Medicine program also featured in the 2010 listings of best specialty programs, ranking at number eight in its category. For more than a decade, U.S. News & World Report has consistently ranked the School of Medicine's education programs among the best in the nation. Rankings are based on peer assessment surveys.
Dr. Patrice Eiff named Assistant Dean of Faculty Development
Patrice Eiff, MD, Professor and Vice Chair of Academic Affairs, Director of Faculty Development, Department of Family Medicine, has been appointed Assistant Dean for Faculty Development in the OHSU School of Medicine. Dr. Eiff's immediate focus will be to support the new faculty development initiative called Grow From Within To Excellence. Dr. Eiff will provide leadership and program guidance for that initiative's Lead Mentors program (see related article below).
"Dr. Eiff has significant experience and expertise with faculty development and I am pleased we can provide an opportunity for her to share this knowledge to the benefit of the School of Medicine faculty," said Dean Richardson. "I know she will help support a vital professional climate at OHSU." Dr. Eiff has been pivotal in the development of the annual Representation of Women Report. Initially started in 2000 to help the Association of American Medical Colleges' national benchmarking, under Dr. Eiff's guidance, the report has significantly expanded at OHSU.
Dr. Eiff joined the OHSU Department of Family Medicine in 1990. She received her MD degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 1983 and completed her family medicine residency at Duke University Medical Center in 1986. Following residency, Dr. Eiff completed a one-year faculty development fellowship at Duke. She served as the Leadership Director for the OHSU National Center of Excellence in Women's Health from 2003-2007 and is a past Chair of the Women in Academic Medicine Committee. In 2005 she was appointed as Director of the OHSU TALENT Program, which is designed to improve the advancement and retention of women faculty in the School of Medicine.
New OHSU Lead Mentor program – "Grow From Within To Excellence" – applications sought
Faculty vitality is essential for the sustained health of OHSU. The School of Medicine Office of the Dean and the Oregon Clinical & Translational Research Institute (OCTRI) are partnering on a multi-year initiative to enhance this vitality by providing a framework to support the ongoing professional and leadership development of our faculty. This new initiative, Grow From Within To Excellence, will reverse the traditional approach of sending a few faculty members to leadership and development courses at other universities and, instead, invest in developing these programs at OHSU. Not only will this allow more people to benefit, it will better accommodate the schedules and commitments of faculty members.
The first part of the new initiative – emphasizing mentorship — includes three tiers structured to accommodate different levels of interest and different points along a career trajectory. The first tier will train a cohort of up to 15 "Lead Mentors." Lead Mentors will be asked to take responsibility for developing and implementing tailored mentoring programs and increasing mentoring capacity within their departments or other cross-departmental organizations. Lead Mentors will learn from each other, share mentoring best practices and learn new strategies with expert input and guidance. The program costs are covered by the Office of the Dean and OCTRI; there is no fee for participation although Lead Mentors will be asked to commit six to eight hours per month.
The Lead Mentors program is an important new leadership and development opportunity. Please click here for more details and to apply online for the Lead Mentors program. If you wish to nominate a colleague, please encourage them to apply online. Applications will be considered until July 31, 2009. Questions? Contact Drs. Patrice Eiff or Niki Steckler.
The second tier is a "Career Perspective" seminar series that provides an overview (or refresher) of key development topics. The third tier is a companion series of workshops with more in-depth information and training. These all-faculty seminars and workshops will cover topics such as:
- getting the most from your annual review
- getting the mentoring you need
- the art of effective communication
- and more.
The all-faculty program kicks off this fall; faculty members will receive regular updates about all these events.
Welcome! 241 new residents and fellows
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This is an exciting and anticipatory time for residents and fellows – those entering and those leaving our institution. Throughout this very busy season, we are all always reminded of and focused on our goal: to ensure that every GME trainee in this institution receives the best possible education and is exceptionally well-prepared for all subsequent professional steps,” said Donald Girard, MD, Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education. “We really live by that.”
GME 2009 by-the-numbers:
- 154: number of positions matched to OHSU through National Residency Matching program
- 87: number of residents and fellows hired outside of the match
- 35: number of incoming residents who are graduates from OHSU School of Medicine
- 750: total number of residents and fellows training at OHSU
- #1: Internal Medicine is largest program with 96 residents
- #2: Surgery is second largest with 76 residents
- #3: Pediatrics is third largest with 42 residents
Pictured: Incoming trainees during orientation
Discovery Spotlight: Landmark stem cells trial at Doernbecher yields positive results
A groundbreaking clinical trial to test the safety and preliminary efficacy of StemCells, Inc.’s proprietary HuCNS-SC® product candidate in children with a rare neurodegenerative disease has yielded a favorable safety profile of the product and evidence of engraftment and long-term survival of the donor cells. The study results were presented at the 12th International Congress on Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (NCL) held June 3 - 6, 2009, in Hamburg, Germany.
"The OHSU Doernbecher research team worked very hard to carry out this highly complex research and is heartened to see that this approach appears to be safe. We are delighted that this first trial of human neural stem cells was successful and offers hope for effective treatment of NCL and other neurodegenerative disorders," said Robert Steiner, M.D., F.A.A.P., F.A.C.M.G., co-principal investigator, professor of pediatrics and molecular and medical genetics, and vice chairman for pediatric research at Oregon Health & Science University Doernbecher Children's Hospital.
The Phase I trial of HuCNS-SC (purified human neural stem cells) conducted at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital included six children with advanced stages of infantile and late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), often referred to as Batten disease. The study participants were transplanted with HuCNS-SC cells and followed for 12 months. Read more in the OHSU media release.
Search for new Chair of Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, CWH
In February, Dean Richardson announced a seven-member search committee of physicians, administrators, scientists and community leaders to manage and advise him on the recruitment for a new chair for the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Director for the OHSU Center for Women’s Health.The search committee is now conducting in-depth interviews with a wide group of physicians, nurses, researchers, administrators and others to understand varied perspectives about the qualities and experience needed to lead the Center and department.
At the same time, outreach to qualified candidates is proceeding in several ways. In addition to advertisements in professional journals, every medical school dean and departmental chair of obstetrics and gynecology in the country has been contacted about this opportunity. Further, an advisory group of community leaders has been established and OHSU has contracted with the national search firm Isaacson Miller (thanks to the generosity of several donors) to support the search committee’s work. Both will seek out leaders in women’s health throughout the country who might otherwise not hear about or may need encouragement to respond to this opportunity. Candidate interviews are now being scheduled. Based on the current timeline, the committee expects a new leader will be selected by January 2010.
Questions? Contact Nicole Lockart, Assistant Dean for Faculty Affairs & Administration.
4,578: record number of applications to MD program
The MD Admissions Office received 4,578 applications for 120 spots in the entering MD class – an increase of 138 applicants over 2008 and an increase of 1,623 applications from five years ago – and the highest in the history of the School of Medicine. Applications from Oregonians were slightly up this year – about 9% of the total applicant pool (about 400).
Over the last few months, staff in the Office of the Dean have conducted or facilitated about 1,110 individual interviews for 555 applicants.
"This number would be impossible without the help of about 65 of our faculty members who evaluate each applicant. We are grateful for this engagement in the application process, it is this involvement that ensures the School of Medicine makes the best selection possible," said Cynthia Morris, PhD, Assistant Dean for Admissions.
Director of Admissions Debbie Melton said: “We continue to see an increase in the diversity and enrichment of the applicants’ experiences – more applicants who have exceptional experiences in such programs as Peace Corps and Teach for America.”
Applications to the Physician Assistant program remained consistent from last year, with 726 applicants applying for 36 positions. The seven men and twenty-nine women began their 26-month education on June 17. The Graduate Studies program will admit 29 new PhD candidates in 2009-2010, 14 of whom are female. Candidates for Masters Degrees are still being finalized.
Pictured: Debbie Melton and the MD Admissions staff from the Office of the Dean
Abstracts from the 26th Annual Student Research Forum
The 26th Annual Student Research Forum provided almost 100 graduate studies students with the opportunity to present oral or poster presentations on a wide range of subjects in May.
“Collaboration is an important process in scientific enquiry,” said Allison Fryer, PhD, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies. “This year’s forum was attended by students from across OHSU, and the exchange of ideas and exposure to new methods of investigation is just one of the many benefits of this kind of gathering.”
“The Forum is an important event for students pursuing research careers,” said Annie Powell, a fifth-year PhD student in Cell and Developmental Biology, who co-chaired the Forum with Jean Summerton, a second-year PhD student in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. “Being able to discuss your research in scientific and non-scientific environments is an essential skill to acquire and where better to learn than in front of a supportive audience of peers?”
For a list of abstracts from the Student Research Forum, click here.
Pictured: Annie Powell and Jean Summerton – co-chairs of the 2009 Student Research Forum
Industry gifts divide an academic community: could it happen here?
The recent New York Times article, titled Harvard Medical School in Ethics Quandary, (log in may be required) described how 200 medical students there were “intent on exposing and curtailing the industry influence in their classrooms and laboratories.” As happened at Harvard, gift and conflict of interest issues have the potential to divide academic communities.
OHSU is ahead of many medical schools in terms of policy development and internal education about what constitutes a conflict of interest. A broad OHSU draft policy is now under final review internally, as described below. However, as a public institution, Oregon law also defines what constitutes a gift. It is very important that every OHSU employee understand this law – which is in effect now.
The Oregon law establishes a $50 limit total per year per person from any company/vendor for public employees who could influence a business decision related to the company/vendor. The law is very restrictive applying, for example, to food, pens, cups, and any gift (no matter how small the value), and it includes a zero dollar limit for entertainment. Both the gift and entertainment provisions also apply to family members of public employees – whether they live with the employee or not.
The broader draft OHSU gift and conflict of interest policy was derived from the work of a task force, chaired by Dr. George Keepers, MD, Chair, Department of Psychiatry, a review of national guidance and multiple meetings with OHSU Schools, departments, division, committees, and other groups. The draft OHSU policy is more restrictive than the state and includes a ban on any gift – a zero dollar limit – to any OHSU employee who could influence a decision to place business with the company offering the gift. Schools, units, departments, and divisions would still be able to accept unrestricted gifts from industry, and the draft policy does not apply to grants. The proposed policy also recommends the development of:
• An education program policy to support professionalism and a better understanding of what constitutes a conflict of interest;
• An industry sponsorship policy which recognizes that in some circumstances industry sponsorship is acceptable when it meets national guidance and is transparent.
The draft OHSU policy is in the final stages of review and further notice will be provided after that review process is complete. In the meantime, OHSU recommends adopting the zero gift limit that will be part of this policy but, at a minimum, employees must comply with Oregon law of $50 dollar gift limits – violations come with a fine of up to $5,000. For more information about this topic, please contact the Office of Integrity at (503) 494-8849 and visit their Web page.
APOM residents and faculty meet with legislators
OHSU and the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine (APOM) were well represented in Washington, DC, in May as faculty and residents shared their thoughts on health care reform and other issues. Norman Cohen, MD, Assistant Professor; James “Judge” Hicks, MD, Associate Professor; Christopher Swide, MD, Associate Professor; and residents Chloe Maycock, MD, and Brian Mitchell, MD, met with all seven Oregon legislators or their staff to share their views on health care reform, the National Pain Care Act and Healthcare Truth and Transparency Act. “Things are moving fast on health care reform,” Dr. Cohen said. “This was a good experience for our residents to take part in this aspect of professionalism and in letting our government know what is working and what is not.” Read more at the APOM Web page.
HONORS, APPOINTMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dr. Susan Hayflick receives annual Dean’s Award
Susan J. Hayflick, MD, Professor and Interim Chair, Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, received the annual School of Medicine's Alumni Association Dean’s Award for outstanding service to the School of Medicine. The award was presented by Dean Richardson at a dinner ceremony on May 31. Dean Richardson recognized Dr. Hayflick as an exceptional scientist, active lecturer, prolific publisher and a valued citizen of the OHSU School of Medicine community. Dr. Hayflick’s research has led to the identification of the gene defect responsible for two completely separate brain degeneration disorders.
In remarks during the award ceremony, Dean Richardson also lauded Dr. Hayflick’s dedication to improving the climate for faculty in the School of Medicine, and her inclusive focus on collaboration across departments and disciplines. She has also been a strong supporter of women in leadership roles. “Under Dr. Hayflick’s watchful encouragement, women faculty representation on all committees – the primary governing bodies of the School of Medicine and a key mechanism for advancement – has grown from 26 to 45% in just five years.”
Dr. Hayflick completed medical school at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and did an internship and residency in pediatrics at the Maine Medical Center. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship in medical genetics at the Center for Medical Genetics at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore and joined OHSU in 1993.
Dr. Lisa Dodson is Oregon Family Doctor of the Year
Lisa Dodson, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, and Director of the Oregon Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program, was selected as Oregon Family Doctor of the Year for 2009. The announcement was made at the May 2009 Annual Meeting of the Oregon Academy of Family Physicians in Sun River. The nomination packet supporting her selection contained letters from 37 patients and colleagues. One letter pointed out that, in her AHEC role, Dr. Dodson serves not just a single community, but the entire state of Oregon. Others writing support letters praised her as a caring physician with a vibrant personality. “When you see her, she always has a smile.”
Dr. Dodson joined the Department of Family Medicine as a resident in 1988, and has served OHSU and Oregon in many roles, including her years in rural practice in John Day and Elgin. She currently is leading the development of the Oregon Rural Scholars Program for OHSU medical students. Dr. Dodson is the first woman faculty member to be presented with this award.
Pictured: Dr. Dodson (center) in Elgin, Oregon.
Dr. Ron Stock receives volunteer faculty award
Ron Stock, MD, Medical Director for Medical Education and Research, Sacred Heart Hospital, Eugene, Oregon, received the OHSU Community Preceptor Award, “which recognizes a physician or physician group that has demonstrated outstanding dedication to the education of medical students in the community setting.” The award was presented at the annual School of Medicine hooding ceremony.
Dr. Stock is a Geriatrician and Family Physician who has been in the Eugene/Springfield community for 18 years. He is currently the Medical Director for Medical Education & Research and the Medical Director of Geriatrics for PeaceHealth Oregon Region. His role includes physician oversight of the development of the OHSU Medical Education and Research Collaborative as PeaceHealth's liaison with the OHSU School of Medicine and the University of Oregon in projects to expand medical student training in Oregon. He is also responsible for geriatric services and chronic care health services research for PeaceHealth.
Dr. Neil Swanson receives lifetime achievement award
Neil A. Swanson, MD, Professor, Dermatology, Surgery and Otolaryngology, and Chair, Department of Dermatology, was presented the Frederic E. Mohs, MD, Award for Career Achievement by the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) at its annual meeting in Austin, Texas. The award, which was first presented in 2004, is named in memory of the physician who developed the micrographic surgery technique that provides the highest cure rate for skin cancer and who founded the ACMS. The objective of this award is to honor individuals who promote Mohs surgery throughout their career with their teaching, clinical practice, scientific contributions, innovation, mentorship or service to the organization.
Dr. Christopher Amling receives award from American Urological Association
Christopher Amling, MD, Professor, Surgery, Division of Urology, recently received the American Urological Association's Gold Cystoscope award, the most prestigious award given annually to one individual within 10 years of training who is making significant contributions to the field of urology. The focus of Dr. Amling's career is prostate cancer care and research.
OCTRI announces funding for 11 pilot projects
The Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute is pleased to announce the awardees of 2009 OCTRI Pilot Project funding. The one-year Pilot Project funding is designed to stimulate preliminary data in novel research directions, and ultimately to launch new nationally funded research programs. OCTRI awarded a total of 11 projects, including two career development projects and three child health projects. Click here to view a list of all awardees.
Three faculty members recognized by American Psychiatric Association
Three faculty members received the Nancy C. A. Roeske, MD Certificate of Recognition for Excellence in Medical Education at the 162 Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association in May:
- John Beahrs, MD, Professor Emeritus, Psychiatry
- Tana Grady-Weliky, MD, Professor, Psychiatry, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education
- Robert McKelvey, MD, Professor, Psychiatry, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Three faculty members recognized by National Board of Medical Examiners
Three faculty members were recently recognized for their volunteer participation in the National Board of Medical Examiners as developers of test items, review committee members, or exam proctors.
- William L. Toffler, MD, Professor, Family Medicine
- Frederic J. Cole, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Surgery
- Laura Ibsen, MD, Associate Professor, Pediatrics, Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine
Welcome new faculty
A warm welcome to our newest faculty members (listed in alphabetical order):
Katherine A. Banker, MD, Instructor, Pediatrics
Christina T. Derstine, MD, Instructor, Pediatrics
Joel A. Friedlander, DO, MBe, Assistant Professor, Pediatrics
Manami Furuya, MSN, DBSM, Instructor, Medicine
Virginia Leslie, MD, Assistant Professor, Obstetrics & Gynecology
Yong Liu, PhD, Research Assistant Professor, Psychiatry
Leslie R. Manser, BSN, Instructor, Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery
Joseph F. Sobanko, MD, Instructor, Dermatology
Lynette C. Spjut, MS, PA-C, Instructor, Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine
