Pulse

January 19, 1999 PULSE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER Adashi Honored With Dixon Endowed Chair Eli Y. Adashi, M. D., professor and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, has been named the first holder of the John A. Dixon Presidential Endowed Chair at the University of Utah School of Medicine. The author and editor of 10 books and more than 350 scientific papers, Adashi is an internationally recognized leader in the field of reproductive endocrinology. " There is not a more worthy recipient of this honor than Dr. Adashi," said Richard J. Sperry, M. D., Ph. D., U interim vice president for health sciences. " He reflects the skill, compassion and leadership which Dr. Dixon set as the standard for the leaders of this medical school." Before joining the U faculty in 1996, Adashi served as professor and director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. A graduate of the Sackler School of Medicine in Israel, Adashi completed postgraduate training at Tufts and Johns Hopkins universities and the University of California, San Diego. Adashi is the author of the premier 2,399- page, two- volume textbook, " Reproductive Endocrinology, Surgery, and Technology." His research interests include ovarian physiology and the elucidation of the genetic determinants of ovarian formation and function. , 0 continued on page 2 Eli Y. Adashi Leader in Pediatric Pharmacology Visits This Week Ralph E. Kauflfman, M. D., a leader in pediatric clinical pharmacology and toxicology, will share his expertise with the Department of Pediatrics and Primary Children's Medical Center ( PCMC) this Wednesday and Thursday. The pediatrics department was selected for Kauffman's visit as part of the Pfizer Visiting Professorship Program in Pediatrics. Kauflfman, a professor of pediatrics and pharmacology, holds the Marion Merrell Dow/ Missouri Chair in Medical Research at the Univer-sity of Missouri, Kansas City. The visiting professor's U activities will include a lecture at the U College of Pharmacy, " Influence of Development on Drug Metabolism- an Overview," Wednesday at 3: 30 p. m., in room 501 Biomedical Poly-mers Research Building. On Thursday, his Grand Rounds presentation will be " Recent Changes in Drug Development for Children: Implications for Academic Centers." The talk will be at 8 a. m. in the third floor auditorium at PCMC. continued on page 2 Winter Got You Down? Check Your Thyroid Tests for thyroid disease, which affects between six and eight million Americans and frequently goes undiagnosed, will be offered this week as part of University Hospital's observance of Thyroid Awareness Week. Tests will be performed in the ARUP outpatient lab on the first floor from 9 a. m.- 4 p. m., Tuesday through Friday. There will be a $ 10 charge for the blood test, which normally costs about $ 60. Thyroid disease can occur in either sex and at any age, but is more common in women than men. The symptoms of hypothyroidism, the underproduction of a hormone by the thyroid gland, are: sleepiness, fatigue and lethargy; loss of memory; dry skin; personality changes; depression; dry, coarse hair and hair loss; weight gain; bloating and puffiness; and sensitivity to cold. Hyperthyroidism, or overpro-duction by the gland, is marked by nervousness, heart palpitations, unexplained weight loss, heat intolerance, irritability and muscle tremors. The underdiagnosis of thyroid disease, particularly hypothyroidism, is a serious public health problem, says Thomas Knecht, M. D., Ph. D., associate professor of internal medicine. " The symptoms of thyroid disease may appear very slowly and are easy to disregard as the result of stress or overwork." For more information, visit the Health Sciences Center homepage at or call xl- 2897. Adashi from front He has participated on eight study sections or selection committees of the National Institutes of Health, a responsibility and honor reserved for acknowledged leaders in their fields. In addition, he has held various leadership positions in a number of professional societies. Most recently, he was inducted as the president of the Society of Reproduc-tive Endocrinology and Infertility. An affiliated society of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, the group's mission is to promote education in the field of reproductive medicine and serve as an advocate for practitioners. This year, he also will be inducted as president of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation, the premier research society in the field of reproductive medicine. The John A. Dixon Presidential Endowed Chair was established to honor the long- time University of Utah faculty member and administrator who died in 1992. Recognized as one of the world's foremost experts in laser surgery, Dixon served as dean of the University of Utah's medical school and vice president for health sciences. Under his leadership, the University rallied the public and private support necessary to fund a new hospital. Kauffman from front " Dr. Kauffman is a recognized scientist, pediatric clinician and clinical pharmacologist who is respected internationally for his knowledge, judgment and perspec-tive on issues in pediatric clinical pharmacology," said Robert M. Ward, M. D., professor of pediatrics who is hosting Dr. Kauffman's visit. " He directs one of the leading programs in pediatric clinical pharmacology, and we are privileged to have him come here." After receiving his medical degree from the University of Kansas in 1965, Kauffman completed a pediatric residency and a post- doctoral fellowship in clinical pharmacology/ toxicology at the University of Kansas Medical Center, and then served on the University of Kansas faculty. In 1979, he moved to Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, and, in 1995, was named to his current position at the University of Missouri. Author of more than 90 original articles, books, chapters and case reports, Kauffman has been asked to testify before Congress on several occasions regarding the need for study of drugs in children and ethical issues related to such studies. He has served on the editorial boards of four journals. Kauffman currently chairs the Pediatric and Perinatal Pharmacology section of the American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. He served on the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs from 1975- 93, chairing the group from 1989- 93. U Physician Receives Grant to Study Blood Clotting in Pregnant Women Donna S. Dizon- Townson, M. D., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology, has been awarded funding by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC) to study abnormal predisposi-tions to blood clotting and intrauterine growth restric-tion ( IUGR). IUGR complicates approximately 10 percent of all pregnan-cies. Fetuses with the condition may be at higher risk of developing diabetes and vascular disease later in their adult lives. The two- year study involves three perinatal centers and the CDC. Investigators hypothesize that abnormal clotting in the uteroplacental circulation may prevent the fetus from receiving normal nutrition and oxygen-ation from the mother. Hence the fetus is small for gestational age and is diagnosed with IUGR. Approxi-mately three to five percent of the Utah population have this abnormal genetic predisposition to blood clotting called factor V Leiden mutation. Dizon- Townson believes this research will help lay the groundwork for developing drug and genetic therapies to be used in pregnancies at high risk for IUGR. A specialist in high- risk obstetrics, her professional interests include prenatal diagnosis, preterm labor and thromboembolic disease occurring during pregnancy. She received her medical degree and completed a residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and Parkland Memorial Hospital, where she served as administrative chief resident. She came to the U to study molecular genetics and com-pleted her Maternal- Fetal Medicine Fellowship in 1997. Health Sciences Report Now Available Online An online version of the Health Sciences Center's magazine Health Sciences Report is now available at the Office of Public Affairs website, www. med. utah. edu/ pubaffairs. Published three times a year, the magazine features stories about HSC programs, personalities and issues. The website also gives readers the opportunity to be added to the magazine's mailing list. C PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER Donna S. Dizon- Townson Royce Moser, Jr. New England College Honors Moser for Exemplary Practice of Medicine Royce Moser, Jr., M. D., M. P. H., professor of family and preventive medicine and director of the department's Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environ-mental Health ( RMCOEH), has been honored with the Harriet Hardy Award by The New England College of Occupational and Environ-mental Medicine. A plaque, " for a physician who exemplifies the highest ideals of occupational and environmental medicine practice," was presented to Moser last month in Boston, at the annual conference of The New England College and the Massachusetts Association of Occupational Health Nurses. Harriet L. Hardy, M. D., a distinguished physician in occupational medicine, is remembered for her distinctive work recognizing and describing chronic beryllium disease, which led to substitutes for beryllium in industry. Later, her clinical and research interests focused on the hazards of lead, cadmium, asbestos and coal mine dusts. She was director and founder of the occupational medical service at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and was the first woman professor appointed to the Harvard Medical School faculty. Moser has directed RMCOEH, one of 15 educa-tional resource centers of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, since 1987. He had a 23- year career in the United States Air Force, at bases here and abroad, including duty in Vietnam. As commander of the USAF School of Aerospace Medi-cine, he directed more than 900 scientists and techni-cians involved in basic and applied research, clinical evaluations and educational activities. He is nationally known for his textbook " Effective Management of Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety Programs, A Practical Guide," a reflection of a primary interest in health and safety programs. Moser is past president of the Aerospace Medical Association and was vice president for medical affairs of the American College of Occupational and Environ-mental Medicine from 1995- 97. Grant to Ob- Gyn Professor Helps Residents Gain Expertise in Geriatrics Karen L. Miller, surgery and urology. M. D., assistant professor According to Miller, of obstetrics and gynecol- the grant supports ogy, has been selected to curricular innovations and participate in a segment of expert consultation from a an American Geriatrics leading geriatrician. Society ( AGS)/ Hartford Evelyn C. Granieri, Foundation project to M. D., assistant professor increase geriatric expertise of medicine at the in non- primary care University of Pittsburgh, specialties. will assist Miller in Miller's three- year, evaluating the U's resi- $ 6,000 grant is among 19 dency curriculum and Faculty Development and training. Residency Training Miller, who is at Outreach Program awards Harvard University for sponsored by the AGS/ this academic year, will John A. Hartford Foun- continue working with dation. In addition to Granieri to refine a obstetrics and gynecology, strategy they developed in specialties targeted by the September to provide project include: anesthesi- user- friendly curriculum ology, emergency medi- materials useful to all cine, general surgery, obstetric and gynecologic ophthalmology, orthope- residencies. Granieri will die surgery, otolaryngol- make several trips to Utah ogy, physical and rehabili- for evaluation and tation medicine, thoracic consultation, Miller said. Patient Education Director Named to National Board Jackie A. Smith, Ph. D., director of UH's Patient Education Office, has been appointed to a two- year term on the national board of directors for the Health Care Education Association ( HCEA). Smith will chair the group's Technology Committee. " Jackie is highly regarded by fellow patient educators around the country," said Kimberly McNally, HCEA president. " She is considered a leader in the field and we look forward to the leadership she will bring to the board." HCEA is the premier organizations for patient educators in North America. Jackie A. Smith Reading Program Helps Peds Clinic Promote Wellness and Literacy A new program in UH's pediatric clinic provides patients with a free, age- appropriate book, every time they come for a well- child visit between the ages of six months and five years. Established six years ago at Boston City Hospital, Reach Out and Read was brought to UH last year with the help of Paul Young, M. D., associate professor of pediatrics. Funding for the books is provided by a variety of foundations. According to Christine Pettit, R. N., and Cindy Powell, R. N., coordinators of the program, the more children are exposed to books, the more likely they will become literate. " This project crosses all socio- economic levels," they said. " Whether the child's parents have graduate degrees or are illiterate, teaching about the importance of reading becomes part of the clinic visit." The clinic also has books available in Spanish. Pettit and Powell plan to begin a volunteer reading program for patients and their siblings in the clinic waiting room. The clinic also is looking for gently used books to give to the siblings of patients. Books should be appropriate for children under six years old. For more information or to get involved in the volunteer reading program, contact Pettit or Powell, x 1- 2321. Paul Young, M. D., presents patients with a book as part of the pediatric clinic's Reach Out and Read program. UH's Warm Hearts Lead to Full Stomachs Marion Bradford and Lori Ball. Case Management, prepare to deliver a shipment of food to a local food bank. Last month's food drive was one of the hospital's most successful ever, with Bradford making more than six trips to food banks. Special thanks go to Bradford, Ball and Anna Thomas for coordinating this year's effort. Pulse is published weekly by the Office of Public Affairs. If you have information you need published or know of a good story, contact Chris Nelson or Lanaya Wright, xl- 7387, at least one week prior to publication. Too Busy to Travel? Try Telemedicine Gerald Krueger, how easily and effectively M. D., professor of dermatology, recently participated in a confer-ence with colleagues in Michigan, Massachusetts, and France without leaving the building. He utilized the U's interactive videoconferencing equipment through the Telemedicine Outreach Program. According to Rob Showell, Telemedicine Outreach Program, the the telemedicine program's video technol-ogy can bring together groups of international colleagues for live interac-tive conferences on health- related issues. The system is avail-able to HSC faculty and staff for meetings with colleagues, educational activities, and patient consultations. For more information, contact Showell, x5- 2426. meeting demonstrated Auxiliary Sale Thursday and Friday University Hospital's Auxiliary is sponsoring a " Western Image Silver Jewelry" sale this Thursday and Friday, from 8 a. m.- 4 p. m. in the cafeteria. Eat Less Fat: Remove Skin From Chicken Removing the skin from chicken can cut the fat content by 75 percent and the total calories by half. Still, dark meat without the skin has two to three times the fat as skinless breast meat, and 25 percent more calories- Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah.