September 28, 2006
Health Sciences news briefs
Eberhard Fetz receives Javits Award in Neurosciences
Eberhard Fetz, UW professor of physiology & biophysics in the Washington National Primate Research Center has been awarded the Senator Jacob Javits Award in Neurosciences. The award provides research funding from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the nation’s leading agency for research on the brain and nervous system and a component of the National Institutes of Health.
This year the award was is given to six investigators who have demonstrated exceptional scientific excellence and productivity in research supported by the NINDS and who are expected to conduct innovative research over the next seven years. Fetz is a leader in the field of neural control of muscle activity and brain computer interfaces (BCIs) — using brain signals only to operate a computer or other devices. BCIs translate the electrical signals from the brain associated with thought into a computer-directed command that lets the user communicate without peripheral muscle activity. This Javits award (his second) will allow Fetz to continue studies on how cells in the motor cortex and spinal cord contribute to movement.
Aaron Katz wins the 2006 APHA Award for Excellence
The American Public Health Association has awarded Aaron Katz, senior lecturer in health services, its 2006 APHA Award for Excellence. Katz will receive the award, which recognizes individuals who have made exceptionally meritorious contributions to the improvement of the health of people and honors creative and innovative work, at APHA’s 134th Annual Meeting in Boston this November.
Katz’s career includes helping to shape state environmental policy and state health policy. He assisted in drafting the civil rights and public health policies for Washington’s 1988 Omnibus AIDS Act and directed the health policy program at the University of Washington School of Public Health for 15 years. Since 2000, Katz has become more involved with international health issues, particularly reproductive health, family planning and development issues in poor countries.
UW ISIS Program accredited by American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has accredited the UW’s Institute for Surgical and Interventional Simulation (ISIS) as a level 1 comprehensive education institute. ISIS is one of the first ACS-accredited institutes in the United States.
The college’s education institute accreditation process is meant to establish a national network of ACS-approved programs providing superior medical education with the most advanced technology and teaching methods available. Accredited institutes serve practicing physicians, residents, and students through all stages of learning, including pre- and post-course work.
ISIS utilizes simulation technology, such as computer-based simulations and computerized human patient mannequins, to educate health professionals.
Richard Page elected to top office in Heart Rhythm Society
Dr. Richard Page, head of the Division of Cardiology, has been elected second vice president of the Heart Rhythm Society and will become president in 2009. The society has a membership of approximately 3,500 physicians and associated professionals around the world who are involved in cardiac pacing and cardiac electrophysiology. Page, who holds the Robert A. Bruce Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Research, is an attending physician at UW Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center, and the VA Puget Sound Health Care System. His clinical and research interests include arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, and sudden cardiac death.
Pagon wins Excellence in Education Award
Dr. Roberta “Bonnie” Pagon, professor of pediatrics at the UW and physician at Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center, has won the Excellence in Education Award of the American Society of Human Genetics. Pagon was recognized for her role in the creation of GeneTests, a Web-based medical genetics resource for clinicians and researchers, and GeneClinics, a previous version of the project. She will receive the award at the society’s annual meeting in New Orleans in October.
The GeneTests project, which was created by Pagon, provides information on genetic testing and its use in diagnosis, disease management, and genetic counseling. It promotes the appropriate use of genetic services in patient care and decision making, and is one of the nation’s leading medical genetics resources. GeneTests is supported by the National Library of Medicine and the National Human Genome Research Institute.
Pharmacy school creates new student center
The UW School of Pharmacy has created a new student center to further encourage leadership and community involvement.
The Center for Pharmacy Leadership and Professional Excellence is based in the school’s Office of Academic and Student Programs. The UW chapter of Phi Lambda Sigma is helping gather resources and plan activities for the new center.
Future plans include hosting workshops and seminars on leadership skills and professional development, providing travel grants and fellowships for students and developing research projects. The center also hopes to develop partnerships with practice sites, community organizations and professional associations.
