We Are UMDNJ

New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) anesthesia resident Elilary Montilla-Medrano, MD, earned third place honors in a resident poster competition at the New Jersey State Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting. She presented a poster titled “Intraoperative Use of Adenosine to Cause Flow Arrest for Embolization of High Flow Arterio-Venous Malformation: A Case Report,” co-authored with Yuriy Gubenko, MD, assistant professor of anesthesiology at NJMS.

What’s Up with UMDNJ Alumni? Our alumni are involved in research, clinical care, teaching, writing, technology, policymaking and much more. Read about their activities here. If you have news for our UMDNJ alumni newsletter, send it to Doris Cortes-Delgado at cortesdo@umdnj.edu.

Events This Week

Newark campus

Sunday, May 20: Opening Reception for the Collaborative Art Exhibition, MSB, B-Level, across from the glass cases, 2 to 4 p.m. For info: Noreen Gomez at (973) 972-4795.

Monday, May 21: GSBS at NJMS Thesis Defense — “Enhancing Polyadenylation In Vivo With Bioinformatically Identified Auxiliary CIS-Elements and Phylogenetic Comparison of Human Polyadenylation Factors” by Sarah Darmon. Location: MSB, E-609, 10:30 a.m. Advisor: Carol Lutz, PhD, associate professor, biochemistry & molecular biology. For info: GSBS website.

Monday, May 21: NJDS Senior Awards Ceremony, Oral Health Pavilion, B-963, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 22: GSBS at NJMS Thesis Defense — “Developing a Genetically Encodable Probe System for Imaging RNA in Live Cells” by Wei Yang. Location: 2 p.m. Advisor: Sanjay Tyagi, PhD, associate professor, PHRI. For info: GSBS website.

Tuesday, May 22: NJMS-Microbiology & Molecular Genetics & Public Health Research Institute Center Seminar — “Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Lipoprotein LprG: Bacterial Functions and Host Responses,” ICPH auditorium, 225 Warren St., noon. Speaker: Clifford V. Harding, MD, PhD, Case Western Reserve University. For info: Yuri Bushkin, PhD, at (973) 854-3350 or bushkiyu@umdnj.edu.

Tuesday, May 22: Department of Medicine Grand Rounds — “Cutaneous Manifestations of Internal Disease,” MSB, Lecture Hall, B-610, 8 to 9 a.m. Speaker: George Reizner, MD, professor and chair, Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health. For info: Jeannine Mansfield at 973-972-2449.

Wednesday, May 24: Pharmacology & Physiology Graduate Student Seminar — “Homeostasis of Mitochondrial Calcium in Alcoholic Liver Disease,” MSB, H-609b, noon. Speaker: Guoqiang Wang and student mentor, Dr. Larry Gaspers. For info: (973) 972-4461.

New Brunswick campus

Tuesday, May 22: Molecular Biology & Biochemistry Seminar — “Licensed to Elongate: A Molecular Mechanism for MLL-Based Leukemogenesis,” CABM, Rm.010, noon. Speaker: Ali Shilatifard, PhD, investigator, Stowers Institute for Medical Research. For info: Thomas Kusch, PhD, at (732)445-6895.

Wednesday, May 23: RWJMS-Neurology Grand Rounds/Case Presentation — “Management of Glioblastoma: Current Treatments and Future Perspectives,” MEB, Rm.102, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Speaker: Tina Mayer, MD, assistant professor, medicine, RWJMS. Host: Lawrence Golbe, MD. For info: Laurie Lipper at (732) 235-7337 or lipperla@umdnj.edu.

Wednesday, May 23: Network of Affiliated Family Medicine Residencies’ Residents Research Symposium, CAB, Room 1302, 8:30 a.m. to noon. Eight family medicine residency programs will present projects. Research posters and scholarly publications will also be displayed. For info: Anna Looney, director, Network of Affiliated Family Medicine Residencies at (732) 235-4200.

Wednesday, May 23: CABM Lecture — CABM, Rm. 010, noon to 1 p.m. Speaker: Michael Gale, Jr., immunology, University of Washington. For info: Dr. Ann Stock at (732) 235-4844 or Dr. Darlene Bondoc at (732) 235-5310.

Piscataway campus

Friday, May 18: UBHC-Technical Assistance Center (TAC) Screener Recertification Training Session — “Co-occurring Disorders and Screening,” TAC at UBHC, 151 Centennial Ave., Suite 1140. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Speaker: Dennis Makarowski. For info: (732) 235-9290.

Monday, May 21: SHRP Research Day, RWJMS, Great Hall and Main Lecture Hall, 10:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Registration required. For info: SHRP - Office of Student & Alumni Affairs at (973) 972-7939 or OSAA@umdnj.edu.

Monday, May 21: SPH Seminar — “Lessons for Obesity Control from the Tobacco Wars,” SPH, 683 Hoes La. West, conference room 3A/B, 1 p.m. Speaker: Lawrence Green, DrPH, professor, epidemiology & biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco. The seminar will also be available via Live-Stream. For more info: (732) 235-9700 or sphinfo@umdnj.edu.

Tuesday, May 22: EOHSI-Rutgers Chemical Biology Seminar — “Is Carcinogenesis a Form of Speciation?” Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, 2nd Floor Seminar Room, Busch Campus, noon. Speaker: Peter Duesberg, PhD, professor, biochemistry, biophysics & structural biology, University of California at Berkeley. For info: Renping Zhou, PHD, at (732) 445-3400, ext. 264.

Friday, May 25: “The History of the Physical Diagnosis,” Dean’s Conference Room, Piscataway, noon to1:30 p.m. Speaker: John Walker, MD, RWJMS professor of medicine, Sponsor: RWJMS Retired Faculty Association. For info: Paul Manowitz, PhD, at 732-235-4347 or manowitz@umdnj.edu.

Stratford campus

Thursday, May 24: Webinar: "Create a New Revenue Stream by Supporting On-Campus App Developers," 1 to 2 p.m. Live webinar viewing at the Office of Technology Transfer and Business Development, 1 World's Fair Dr., Suite 2100, Somerset. RSVP to OTTBD@umdnj.edu.

Off campus

Saturday, May 19: SN Alumni Association-Education, Networking & Scholarship Awards Luncheon — “Nurses Leading Change in a Changing World,” Crowne Plaza Monroe South Brunswick, 390 Forsgate Dr., Monroe Township, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (1 nursing contact hour.) Speaker: Jonathan McCarthy, MSN, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, vice president, clinical services, Kennedy University Hospitals. For info: Lynn McFarlane at (973) 972-8539 or mcfarlld@umdnj.edu.

Saturday May 19: SHRP Student Leadership Council’s 6th Annual ‘Walk n’ Roll’ Fundraiser, Johnson Park, Piscataway, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Children’s Specialized Hospital. Join the SHRP team or make a donation.

Tuesday, May 22: Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals, Inc. /Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine Webinar — “Noninvasive Respiratory Management of Spinal Cord Injury, 2 to 3 p.m. Speaker: John Bach, MD, professor and vice chair of physical medicine and rehabilitation at NJMS.

Save the Date

Friday, June 1: University Behavioral HealthCare — “16th Annual Margaret Van Horn Lecture — “Restoring Functional Capacity in Low Functioning Schizophrenia Patients with iCBT,” RWJMS, East Lecture Hall, 675 Hoes La. West, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Speaker: Paul M. Grant, PhD, Aaron T. Beck Psychopathology Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Registration is free for this live training program. For info: Sharon Eaton at (732) 235-9282.

Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10: Special Olympics Special Smiles® Program — Volunteers are needed. Once again NJDS will host this event at the College of New Jersey, 2000 Pennington Rd./Route 31 at Carlton Rd., Ewing. Each athlete visiting Special Smiles will receive a dental screening, hygiene instruction and a goody bag. Lunch and CE credits will be provided. For info, contact the volunteer manager VOLUNTEER@sonj.org. Register online before June 1.

FYI

Saturday, May 19: Family Day Festival — emPOWERED: Your Renewable Energy Future, Prudential Foundation Gallery, Newark Museum, noon to 4:30 p.m. Come celebrate the opening of the new exhibit and an interactive family science festival that explores renewable and alternative energy. Hands on exhibits and activities include: solar car races, electric generators, radiometers, a wind mill, power plant, solar telescope, and planetarium shows (fee-based). For info: (973) 596-6550.

UMDNJ Commencement, Convocations

Monday, May 21: RWJMS Convocation Ceremony, The State Theatre, 11 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, 7 p.m. Keynote speaker: Neil Calman, MMS '73, MD, president and CEO, The Institute for Family Health. For info: evansje1@umdnj.edu.

Monday, May 21: NJMS Convocation, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, One Center St., Newark, 10 a.m. For info: Office of the Registrar at (973) 972-4640.

Monday, May 21: SN Honors Convocation, New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), One Center St., Newark, 4 p.m. Speaker: Donna Thompson, RN, MS, chief executive officer, Access Community Health Network. For info: (973) 972-4602 or snconvocation@umdnj.edu.

Monday, May 21: SOM Convocation Ceremony & Reception, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Cherry Hill, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. For info: Office of Alumni & Student Affairs at (856) 566-6740. Keynote speaker: Martin Levine, DO, MPH, president, American Osteopathic Association.

Tuesday, May 22: SHRP 32nd Convocation, Pines Manor, 2085 Route 27 South, Lincoln Hwy., Edison, 5 p.m. For info: (973) 972-4496 or (973) 972-8525.

Tuesday, May 22: NJDS Convocation, New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), One Center St., Newark. 6 p.m.

Announcements

Calling All Entrepreneurs…

The UMDNJ Office of Technology Transfer and Business Development invites you to attend a presentation about the University City Science Center’s QED Proof-of-Concept Funding Program on Monday, May 21, on the Newark campus. The Science Center’s goal is to help nurture new companies and commercialize innovative technologies. The QED program provides business development support for academic researchers developing early-stage life science technologies with high commercial potential. A panel of industry representatives makes recommendations for funding (up to $100,000 over 12 months – matched by the institution), to implement the selected projects and encourage investment from the private sector.The next cycle of the program is available to investigators at participating research institutions, including UMDNJ. QED program manager Adam Greenspan will talk about this opportunity and answer questions. The presentation will be held at noon in the Medical Science Building, Room B-554. (Lunch will be served.) RSVP by May 18 to raesu@umdnj.edu.

Summer Program Offers Prep for Health Related Careers

Whether you are returning to school after a long absence or have recently completed high school, the EOF Summer Program is designed to make the adjustment to college easier. The School of Health Related Professions’ Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Summer Program offers preparation for health related careers. The six-week program begins June 28 and ends August 3 (Mondays through Thursdays, 8: 30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Funding is available to eligible students. Deadline for applications is June 1. For more information, contact Sandie Armand at armandsa@umdnj.edu or (973) 972-8513.

Dr. Lee Reichman to Receive 2012 World Lung Health Award

Lee Reichman, MD, MPH, founding executive director of the New Jersey Medical School Global Tuberculosis Institute, is the recipient of the 2012 World Lung Health Award from the American Thoracic Society, the leading medical association dedicated to advancing pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine. This award is presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to world lung health. Reichman is an internationally recognized expert on tuberculosis.

In Search of Advances in Spinal Cord Research

The second annual Symposium on Current Advances in Spinal Cord Injury Research was held on UMDNJ’s Newark campus on May 9. Researchers from around the country spoke of encouraging progress in areas including stem cell transplantation, rehabilitation and evaluation of how certain treatments for acute injury might help or hinder long-term recovery. Shown at the symposium are, left to right: Robert Heary, MD, director of the Spine Center of New Jersey and professor of neurological surgery at New Jersey Medical School (NJMS); Tim Reynolds, founding donor of the Reynolds Family Spine Laboratory at the Spine Center; and Stella Elkabes, PhD, laboratory co-director and associate professor of neurological surgery at NJMS.

Dr. Christine Baker Honored for Her Commitment to Women

Christine Baker, PhD, clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at New Jersey Medical School, received the Soroptimist Ruby Award: For Women Helping Women from Soroptimist International of Suburban Essex, an organization for business and professional women. Baker is also director of the Family Life Education Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. The Soroptimist Ruby Award honors women who have improved the lives of women and girls through their professional and/or volunteer work.

NJMS Orthopaedic Surgeons Top Finishers in Race for the Cure

When Heidi Hullinger MD, is not in surgery, she’s running for the cure — and coming in first. Hullinger (left), a resident in the Department of Orthopaedics at New Jersey Medical School, ran in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on May 6 at the South Mountain Reserve in South Orange. She was the first female finisher in the 5K race out of 371 women. Her colleague Kathleen Beebe, MD (right), assistant professor of orthopaedics, finished fifth out of all the women. UMDNJ put together five teams for the race. The two physicians were part of the NJ Orthopaedic Institute team.

Screenings Offered for Healthy Vision Month

The National Eye Institute and the National Institutes of Health have designated May as Healthy Vision Month, elevating vision as a health priority for the nation. Have your vision checked by the Student Sight Saver Group and the New Jersey Medical School Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science at a free vision screening on May 24 from 10a.m. to 2p.m. in the Bistro Café at University Hospital. (The screening is first-come, first-served and will be limited to the first 45 individuals.)

UH Presents DAISY Foundation Award for Outstanding Nursing

Left to right: Theresa Rejrat, RN, vice president and chief nursing officer at UH, Socorro Galano-Rogers, and James Gonzalez, MPH, FACHE, interim president and CEO, UH.

University Hospital (UH) announced its first winner of the DAISY Foundation Award for Extraordinary Nurses on May 11. Socorro Galano-Rogers, RN, MSN, APN, CNOR, CAPA, a pre-admissions testing nurse in Perioperative Services at the hospital, received the award. The DAISY Foundation was started by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at age 33 of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, an autoimmune disease. The Barnes family established the award to recognize the compassion and skills of the nurses who cared for him.

RWJMS Student Selected for NIH Research Scholars Program

Robert Wood Johnson Medical School student Towhid Ali has been selected to participate in the National Institute of Health’s Medical Research Scholars Program, which provides mentored training to creative, research-oriented medical, dental, and veterinary students. Students in the program conduct research in areas that match their interests and research goals. Ali is one of 45 talented students to be selected for this new program from 34 different U.S.-accredited universities.

Volunteering at COPSA

Robert Wood Johnson Medical School student Shuwei Wang (center) completed the Service Learning component of her family medicine rotation at University Behavioral HealthCare’s COPSA (Comprehensive Services on Aging) Day Program. Above, she sits with Catherine Kratzke (left) and Lila Lederman after assisting them with an art project. COPSA offers treatment and support to individuals with memory disorders and their caregivers.

RWJMS Gala Raises More than $205,000 in Scholarship Funds

The Second Annual Scholarship Gala for Alumni & Friends, hosted by Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the Foundation of UMDNJ on April 21, proved to be an exceptional evening, raising more than $205,000 in support of medical student scholarships. The celebration included 330 alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends, in addition to leadership from 14 of the medical school’s hospital affiliates. Three exemplary individuals were honored at the Gala. Harvey A. Holzberg, MBA, FACHE, President Emeritus, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, received the Meritorious Service Award and Donald Rose, MD '80, clinical associate professor of orthopaedic surgery, NYU School of Medicine, founding director, Harkness Center for Dance Injuries at the NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, received the Distinguished Alumni Award. The Honorary Alumni Award was given posthumously to Stephen F. Lowry, MD, MBA, who passed away in June 2011 while serving as professor and chair, Department of Surgery and senior associate dean for education.

Attendees saw a video featuring students who earned Gala Scholarships in 2011. RWJMS and the Foundation of UMDNJ thank everyone who contributed to the evening to support our students.

Gala Sendoff for SOM Class of 2012

Left to right: Dr. Kathryn Lambert, Emil Hristov, and Angelina Hristov.

The SOM Alumni Association recently hosted the “Next to the Last Blast,” a celebration for the class of 2012. Kathryn Lambert, DO, associate professor, family medicine, and acting assistant dean for student affairs, presented the 2012 Donna Jones Moritsugu Spousal Award to Emil Hristov, spouse of Angelina Hristov, SOM ’12. The award was established in 1993 by the American Osteopathic Foundation to recognize the spouse of a graduating student who best exemplifies the role of a professional’s partner.

NJMS MiniMed Appreciation Award Presented

Kaylyn Kendall Dines, associate director of marketing and communications at New Jersey Medical School (NJMS), received the 2012 Public Medical Education Award from the school’s MiniMed School program on April 25. Public Medical Education awards have been given since the inception of the MiniMed School in 2000 to individuals who have offered outstanding support of this program.

EOHSI Celebrates 25 Years of Leadership

From the Department of Environmental & Occupational Medicine at RWJMS: Michael Gallo, PhD, adjunct professor; Howard Kipen, MD, MPH, acting chair; Paul Lioy, PhD, professor; Bernard Goldstein, MD, clinical professor and former director; New Jersey Senator Bob Smith; Joanna Burger, PhD, professor of life sciences at Rutgers, Robert Snyder, PhD, associate dean for research, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers; Michael Gochfeld, MD, PhD, professor of environmental & occupational medicine at RWJMS; Michael Greenberg, PhD, professor and associate dean of the faculty, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers; and Kenneth Reuhl, PhD, Rutgers professor and interim director of EOHSI.

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI) held a symposium titled “Environment and Health: The Next 25 Years.” Experts in environmental health from Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers, which jointly operate EOHSI, discussed the progress of environmental science during the last 25 years and highlighted the achievements of the Institute that have led to healthier and safer communities. New Jersey Senator Bob Smith presented the Institute with a Resolution honoring the 25th anniversary.

Drug Compound Found to Restore Tumor Suppressor Function of Mutated p53 Protein

Investigators at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) and the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) in Princeton have identified and validated a drug compound that reactivates a primary function in a mutated form of the p53 protein – the ability to suppress cancer tumors.

The p53 protein, one of the most important regulators of human cancer, has been called “the guardian of the human genome” where it serves to recognize cellular stress and puts the brakes on cell proliferation to allow the cell to either recover from the stress or kill the cell if the damage is irreparable. Researchers on this study include Darren Carpizo, MD, PhD (above), surgical oncologist at CINJ, who is the senior author of the research, and CINJ resident member Arnold J. Levine, PhD, professor of pediatrics and biochemistry at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, who co-discovered p53 more than 30 years ago.

CINJ Celebrates Nursing Month

The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) celebrated the expertise of nursing professionals during Nurses Week with the Oncology Nursing Excellence Awards. Tracy Krimmel, RN, AOCN, APRN-BC (left), was selected by her peers as this year’s award recipient in the category of Advanced Practice Nurse. Stephanie Grospe, MSN, RN, OCN, NP-C, was also a nominee in this category. Terry Capanna, BSN, RN, OCN (right), was chosen for the award in the Generalist Nurse category. All three women were regarded for their collaborative efforts and heralded as champions for promoting oncology nursing as a profession.

Mom2Mom Celebrates Mothers Day

Peer counselor Amy Tarabokia presents her caller, Diane Lamboy, with a rose as they meet for the first time.

Mom2Mom, University Behavioral HealthCare’s 24/7 helpline for mothers of children with special needs, celebrated Mother’s Day by honoring the resilience of parents facing unique challenges in raising their children. At the second annual “Unity Event,” held on May 7 at UBHC’s Piscataway call center, 20 mom-callers got an opportunity to meet their peer counselors — themselves mothers of children with special needs — for the first time and hear a lecture by George Everly, PhD, of Johns Hopkins University, author of The Resilient Child.