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Caduceus
Newsletter: Summer 2008.02, June Dr.
Stan Eisen, Director Home
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Caduceus
Newsletter Archives: |
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Table of Contents: 7. Marginalia: Picture from 1954 Popular Mechanics Magazine. |
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1. ====
AAMC STAT ====, News from the Association of American Medical Colleges,
May 5, 2008 edition. |
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== Medical school enrollment projected to rise 21 percent by 2012 == Task force urges policies to avoid conflicts of interest in education == New podcasts provide expert advice to aspiring doctors == Comment period extended for designation of shortage, underserved areas == Congress passes genetics nondiscrimination bill == Two scientists are first women to receive Albany Prize == Federal advisory committee issues report on genetic testing oversight ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Medical school enrollment projected to rise 21 percent by 2012 An annual survey on medical school expansion, conducted by the AAMC, indicates that first-year enrollment in grow 21 percent (3,400 students per year) by 2012 to 19,900 students. According to survey results, more than 86 percent of existing schools have already expanded the number of first-year students or plan to do so within the next five years. In addition, nine new medical schools are under development or discussion, according to the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, which accredits medical education programs leading to an M.D. degree. The AAMC estimates that almost 800 first-year students will attend these new schools in the academic year 2012-13, based on future enrollment figures. The results of this survey were presented on Thursday at the opening of the 2008 AAMC Physician Workforce Research Conference. The latest issue of AAMC Analysis in Brief also examines some of the
results from this survey: http://www.aamc.org/data/aib/aibissues/aibvol8_no3.pdf Information: Go to http://www.aamc.org/newsroom/pressrel/2008/080501.htm ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Task force urges policies to avoid conflicts of interest in education A report issued last week by an AAMC-convened task force has recommended that medical schools and teaching hospitals implement policies that would prohibit pharmaceutical and medical device companies from providing free meals, gifts, and travel to faculty, staff, medical students, and other representatives of academic medical institutions. The report also discusses the need for policies that address ghost-writing, continuing medical education sponsorship, and distribution of free drug samples. The Task Force on Industry Funding of Medical Education, convened by the AAMC in 2006, was charged with forging consensus principles to guide the association and the leaders of medical schools and teaching hospitals in developing policies and procedures to manage industry gifting practices and financial support of their programs of medical education for students, trainees, faculty, and community physicians. The report is the product of the task force's efforts and will be deliberated by the AAMC Executive Council at its June 18-19 meeting. Information: Go to http://www.aamc.org/research/coi/industryfunding.pdf ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ New podcasts provide expert advice to aspiring doctors The AAMC's AspiringDocs.org campaign has released new podcasts on why diversity matters in medical education, how to succeed in the interview process, and what medical school is like. Aimed toward prospective medical students, the free podcasts can be downloaded from AspiringDocs.org, the AAMC Web site, or through the iTunes store. AspiringDocs.org is an AAMC initiative designed to increase diversity in medicine by encouraging African American, Latino/a, and Native American students to apply to and enroll in medical school. Information: Go to http://www.aamc.org/podcasts or http://www.aspiringdocs.org/site/c.luIUL9MUJtE/b.3882651/ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Comment period extended for designation of shortage, underserved areas The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has extended to May 29 the public comment period for a new proposed rule that would change the methodology used to designate federal health professions shortage areas (HPSA) and medically underserved populations (MUP). The rule would consolidate the criteria for both designations into a single new methodology. Currently, the HPSA and MUP designations are used to determine site eligibility for 30 or more federal programs, including: some Health Resources and Services Administration Title VII health professions grants; the National Health Service Corps; the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Rural Health Clinics; and J-1 visa waivers for international medical graduates (such as the Conrad State 30 program). The AAMC is reviewing the proposed rule. Information: Go to http://newsroom.hrsa.gov/releases/2008/hpsaproposedrule.htm
or http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/shortage/hpsafrn042108.pdf ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Congress passes genetics nondiscrimination bill More than a decade after it was initially introduced, Congress has passed the "Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)." President Bush is expected to sign the bill. GINA seeks to prohibit discrimination on the basis of genetic information with respect to health insurance and employment. In an April 16 letter to the Senate, AAMC President and CEO Darrell G. Kirch, M.D., noted that without federal legal protections against such discrimination, "individuals may refuse effective genetic tests or opt out of clinical trials." Information: Go to http://www.aamc.org/advocacy/library/washhigh/2008/050208/start.htm#2 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Two scientists are first women to receive Albany Prize Molecular researchers Elizabeth Blackburn, Ph.D., of the University of the first women scientists to be named recipients of the Albany Medical Center Prize in Medicine and Biomedical Research, the nation's largest prize in medicine. The $500,000 award was announced on Friday. Dr. Blackburn is renowned for her discoveries of the molecular nature of telomeres (DNA sequences) and for her discovery of the ribonucleoprotein enzyme telomerase, which fortifies telomeres. Dr. Steitz is renowned for her pioneering work in RNA, particularly for the discovery and definition of the function of small ribonucleoproteins in pre-messenger RNA-the earliest product of DNA transcription. Information: Go to http://www.amc.edu/PR/PressRelease/05_02_08_A.html ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Federal advisory committee issues report on genetic testing oversight An advisory committee to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services has issued a report on the oversight of genetic testing, including related federal, state, and private-sector activities. The committee's report recommends enhancements in five areas: regulations on clinical laboratory quality; the clinical validity of and appropriate use of genetic tests; transparency of clinical testing; gaps in knowledge of the usefulness and impact of genetic tests; and education, training, and tools to help the health care community, patients and consumers to interpret and communicate genetic test results. The report also urges greater coordination across government agencies and between public and private sector oversight activities. Further, the committee notes the increasing difficultly in distinguishing between genetic and other complex laboratory tests, and therefore applies several of its recommendations to lab tests generally. Information: Go to http://www4.od.nih.gov/oba/SACGHS/reports/SACGHS_oversight_report.pdf ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Academic Medicine Online From undergraduates just beginning their premedical studies to deans tackling the everyday trials of medical school administration, the May issue of Academic Medicine closely examines a wide range of academic medicine experiences. A study of premed
undergraduates at determined that a negative experience with a chemistry class was the most common factor in underrepresented minorities' decline in interest in premed. At the other end of the educational spectrum, Steven G. Gabbe, M.D., and colleagues surveyed medical school deans to study levels of burnout-with surprising results. Explore these and several other of the most important issues facing the academic
medicine community in this issue. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ |
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2. The question posted to the HLTHPROF listserv
was: “Could someone direct me to a
useful web site or provide some information about program requirements
[pertaining to Sports Medicine]? |
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Here is the reply from Ron Gratz, health advisor at Middle Tennessee U: I have an old paper from the You might refer your student to their WEB site: http://www.acsm.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home Ron Gratz |
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3. The New York College of Podiatric Medicine offers a 2008 Pre-Matriculation Summer Program, July 7 through August 15. |
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If you’re interested, you can find the application here: |
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4. ====
AAMC STAT ====, News from the Association of American Medical Colleges,
May 12, 2008 edition. |
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== MCAT biometric data will help schools identify students == Federal judge says CMS likely violated Medicaid moratorium == AAMC testifies before IOM committee on resident duty hours == FSMB proposes policy requiring doctors to maintain licensure == VA Research Week begins today == On the move ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ MCAT biometric data will help schools identify students In late June, the AAMC will launch the Biometric Identity Verification Service, which will use fingerprints and photographs taken at MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) testing sites to help medical schools confirm an applicant's identity at the point of interview as well as once they are accepted. The service will allow admissions officers and registrars to verify that the same individual who took the exam is also the interviewing applicant and the one attending orientation and signing up for classes. It will also help prevent someone from using another person's test scores to gain entrance into medical school. Ten universities will use the service during the pilot year, and then the service will be made available to all schools that want to participate. Each university will be provided with a fingerprint reader and the accompanying BIO-key(r) WEB-key client software, at no charge. Because the MCAT is also administered outside of the data available for international applicants from several countries, as well. Information: Go to http://www.aamc.org/programs/biometrics/start.htm ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Federal judge says CMS likely violated Medicaid moratorium On Wednesday, Federal District Court Judge James Robertson said he was inclined to rule that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) had violated the 2007 "Medicaid moratorium" preventing enactment of the Medicaid final rule on cost limits and units of government. Judge Robertson made his remarks during a summary judgment hearing on the lawsuit filed March 11 by the AAMC and others challenging CMS's authority to finalize the rule on the same day President Bush enacted the moratorium. The judge also indicated he was inclined to rule that the regulation does not violate federal law; his findings are not official until he issues a written opinion, expected by May 23. In addition to challenging the timing of the final CMS rule, the lawsuit filed by the AAMC, National Association of Public Hospitals, the American Hospital Association, and strike down the rule because of its potentially devastating impact on public hospitals, many of which are safety net providers. Information: Go to http://www.aamc.org/advocacy/library/washhigh/2008/050908/start.htm#1 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ AAMC testifies before IOM committee on resident duty hours Debra Weinstein, M.D., vice president for graduate medical education at Partners Health Care Systems, testified last week on behalf of the AAMC at an hours. The hearing was one in a series of hearings to evaluate the current evidence related to resident schedules and patient safety and to develop strategies to improve overall safety and healthcare quality. Dr. Weinstein noted that "health care is delivered in a highly complex system where any significant change will have ripple effects and potentially unforeseen consequences; we are only now in a position to perform new studies to better understand these implications." Information: Go to http://www.aamc.org/advocacy/library/washhigh/2008/050908/start.htm#2 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ FSMB proposes policy requiring doctors to maintain licensure The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) is developing a model policy that will assist states in requiring physicians to demonstrate their continuing competence as a condition of re-licensure. Earlier this month, the FSMB House of Delegates endorsed a recommendation for additional research into the impact the policy--developed and released in draft form earlier this year--would have on state medical boards, licensed physicians and other stakeholder organizations. The draft policy requires physicians to take part in ongoing self-assessment and to demonstrate continuing competence in their areas of practice. Currently, most physicians demonstrate their competence to licensing boards only once-at their first application to practice medicine. If maintenance of licensure requirements are implemented by state medical boards, physicians will periodically be expected to demonstrate their competence in order to maintain active medical licenses. Information: Go to http://www.fsmb.org/m_mol.html ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ VA Research Week begins today This is "VA Research Week," an effort by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to celebrate the achievements of VA researchers in providing high quality care for veterans and advancing medical science. The effort also aims to educate veterans, the public, and the media about the research conducted at medical centers, and its impact on treating and preventing disease and disability. VA Research Week events will be held at VA medical centers across the country. Information: Go to http://www.research.va.gov/resources/ORD_Admin/research_week/default.cfm ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ On the move Cato T. Laurencin, M.D., Ph.D., has been named vice president for health affairs at the University of Connecticut Health Center and dean of the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, effective Aug 11. He will also hold the position of Van Dusen Distinguished Endowed Chair and will be a professor in the department of orthopaedic surgery. Dr. Laurencin is currently professor and chair of the department of orthopaedic surgery at the East Tennessee State University President Paul E. Stanton Jr., M.D., will retire on March 1, 2009. Dr. Stanton, who became president in 1997, plans to continue to serve the university in an emeritus status. Sidney A. Ribeau, Ph.D., has been named president of effective Aug. 1. He has served
as president of University for the past 13 years. The Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International has appointed Christian E. Newcomer, V.M.D., as its new executive director and chief executive office, effective June 1. He is currently associate provost for animal research and resources and associate professor in the department of comparative medicine at Johns Hopkins University. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Academic Medicine Online From undergraduates just beginning their premedical studies to deans tackling the everyday trials of medical school administration, the May issue of Academic Medicine closely examines a wide range of academic medicine experiences. A study of premed
undergraduates at determined that a negative experience with a chemistry class was the most common factor in underrepresented minorities' decline in interest in premed. At the other end of the educational spectrum, Steven G. Gabbe, M.D., and colleagues surveyed medical school deans to study levels of burnout-with surprising results. Explore these and several other of the most important issues facing the academic
medicine community in this issue. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ |
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5. The
Leaky Pipeline: Factors Associated With Early Decline in Interest in
Premedical Studies Among Underrepresented Minority Undergraduate Students.
Academic Medicine. 83(5):503-511, May 2008.
Barr, Donald A.
MD, PhD; Gonzalez, Maria Elena MA; Wanat, Stanley F. PhD |
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Abstract: Method: From fall 2002
through 2007, the authors conducted a longitudinal study of 362 incoming
Stanford freshmen (23% URM) who indicated on a freshman survey that they
hoped to become physicians. Using a 10-point scale of interest, the authors
measured the change in students' levels of interest in continuing premedical
studies between the beginning of freshman year and the end of sophomore year.
Follow-up interviews were conducted with 68 participants, approximately half
of whom had experienced decreases in interest in continuing as premeds, and
half of whom who had experienced increases in interest. Results: URM students
showed a larger decline in interest than did non-URM students; women showed a
larger decline than did men, independent of race or ethnicity. The authors
found no association between scholastic ability as measured by SAT scores and
changes in level of interest. The principal reason given by students for
their loss of interest in continuing as premeds was a negative experience in
one or more chemistry courses. Students also identified problems in the
university's undergraduate advising system as a contributor. Conclusions: Largely
because of negative experiences with chemistry classes, URM students and
women show a disproportionate decline in interest in continuing in premedical
studies, with the result that fewer apply to medical school. (C) 2008 Association of
American Medical Colleges |
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6. ====
AAMC STAT ====, News from the Association of American Medical Colleges,
May 19, 2008 edition. |
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== AAMC endorses Physician Payments Sunshine Act == Entries wanted for Innovations in Medical Education exhibits == Association comments on reauthorization of Higher Education Act == AAMC reacts to rule on designation of shortage, underserved areas == Poll finds Americans link healthcare reform with improved economy == Nominations sought for Research! == On the move ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ AAMC endorses Physician Payments Sunshine Act The AAMC has endorsed the Senate-proposed, amended version of the "Physician Payments Sunshine Act." The legislation will require drug, device, or medical supply manufacturers that receive federal payments (through Medicare, Medicaid, or the State Children's Health Insurance Program) to disclose anything of value given to doctors, such as payments, gifts, honoraria, or travel. These companies would be required to submit information to the Department of Health and Human Services on a quarterly basis. The amended legislation proposed in the Senate eliminates the threshold used to determine which companies will be required to disclose gift information. It also lowers the minimum expense limit for mandatory reporting of gifts (from $25 and above to $15 and above). In addition, the amended Senate bill will preempt any state laws governing disclosure of gifts. Information: Go to http://www.aamc.org/advocacy/library/teachphys/corres/2008/050208.pdf ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Entries wanted for Innovations in Medical Education exhibits The AAMC is seeking submissions for the yearly Innovations in Medical Education exhibits, to be presented Nov. 2-3 at the association's annual meeting in ideas and activities in medical education, and aim to encourage communication among colleagues. Participants are invited to exhibit work in progress and recently introduced innovations, as well as established projects or components along the continuum of medical education. Exhibitors demonstrating innovation in all aspects of medical education, ranging from instructional design or evaluation of basic sciences to community-based health promotion and disease prevention programs, are encouraged to participate. Submissions must be received by Aug. 15. Information: Go to http://www.aamc.org/members/gea/ime/start.htm ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Association comments on reauthorization of Higher Education Act The AAMC sent a letter last week to the members of congressional committees working to reconcile the House and Senate versions of legislation to reauthorize the Higher Education Act. The bills could have effects on loan repayment, financial aid, institutional grant programs, and medical school accreditation. In the letter, the AAMC urges legislators to reinstate the debt-to-income ratio of the economic hardship deferment provision--which allows resident physicians who meet certain debt and income criteria to postpone loan repayments during their training, without accruing additional interest. Information: Go to http://www.aamc.org/advocacy/library/educ/corres/2008/051508.pdf ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ AAMC reacts to rule on designation of shortage, underserved areas In a letter last week to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), AAMC President and CEO Darrell G. Kirch, M.D., urged HHS to extend by at least six months the public comment period for a proposed rule that would change the methodology used to designate federal health professions shortage areas (HPSA) and medically underserved populations (MUP). In the letter the AAMC recommends that HHS convene a panel of affected stakeholders and community experts for a public discussion of proposed new methodology. The association notes that limited federal funding and the pending workforce shortage warrant a careful examination of the current designation methodology. Information: Go to http://www.aamc.org/advocacy/library/workforce/corres/2008/051508.pdf ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Poll finds Americans link healthcare reform with improved economy Americans think making healthcare affordable should be a top priority when it comes to improving the commissioned by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The poll, conducted in April 2008, shows a significant shift in the past eight months in what Americans think should be the top domestic priority. The findings suggest that Americans see a strong link between healthcare reform and the economy but feel, overall, that jobs and the economy should be the highest priority. Information: Go to http://www.rwjf.org/pr/product.jsp?id=29571 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Nominations sought for Research! Research! Impact of Medical and Health Research Award. The award, established in 2002, is funded through the Eugene Garfield Foundation and acknowledges exceptional research that illustrates the ways in which medical and health care research impacts the economy. The recipient will receive a $5,000 honorarium presented at the Research!America Board of Directors meeting in October. Nominations are due May 30. Information: Go to http://www.researchamerica.org/garfield_award ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ On the move Larry R. Kaiser, M.D., chairman of the department of surgery at the of the University of Texas Health
Science Center at 1. He will succeed James T. Willerson, M.D., who has served as president since 2001. Jay Noren, M.D., M.P.H., has been appointed president of University, effective Aug. 1. He is will succeed Irvin D. Reid, the university's president for the past decade. Dr. Noren most recently served as founding dean of the college of
public health at the ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Academic Medicine Online From undergraduates just beginning their premedical studies to deans tackling the everyday trials of medical school administration, the May issue of Academic Medicine closely examines a wide range of academic medicine experiences. A study of premed
undergraduates at determined that a negative experience with a chemistry class was the most common factor in underrepresented minorities' decline in interest in premed. At the other end of the educational spectrum, Steven G. Gabbe, M.D., and colleagues surveyed medical school deans to study levels of burnout-with surprising results. Explore these and several other of the most important issues facing the academic
medicine community in this issue. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ |
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7. Marginalia: Picture from 1954 Popular Mechanics
Magazine. |
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Be sure to read the caption below the picture. This picture is before
you knew what a computer was or probably before some of you were born!
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Dr. Stan Eisen,
650
E-mail: seisen@cbu.edu
http://www.cbu.edu/~seisen/
Caduceus Newsletter Archives: http://www.cbu.edu/~seisen/Caduceus.html