News Makers 2013

- archived News Makers -

• 05-21-13

  Nurses schedule 1-day strike over talks

  The Massachusetts Nurses Associate Memorial/Hahnemann bargaining unit reached an agreement with UMass Memorial Medical Center last week. However, the MNA-University bargaining committee still plans to move forward with the scheduled May 23 strike.
  Boston Globe

• 05-20-13

  Study: ADHD In Childhood Linked To Obesity In Adulthood

  A new study from NYU Langone Medical Center suggests that boys who suffer from ADHD disorder during childhood are more likely to become obese when adults. Sherry Pagoto, PhD, associate professor of medicine, is quoted in the article.
  CBS Connecticut
  HNGN.com

• 05-20-13

  UMass student trustees seek state budget that would avoid tuition, fee hikes

  University of Massachusetts student trustees called on the Senate to approve a $478 million funding proposal from Governor Deval Patrick. The student trustees are Jennifer Healy, of UMass Amherst; Alexis Marvel, of UMass Boston; Joshua Encarnacion, of UMass Dartmouth; Phillip J. Geoffroy, of UMass Lowell; and Brian Quattrochi, UMass Worcester. University of Massachusetts President Robert L. Caret is quoted in the story.
  Masslive.com

• 05-19-13

  Mergers likely to continue in behavioral care

  An article about the possibility of smaller behavioral health providers merging due to financial constraints mentions UMass Memorial Health Care as an example of consolidation in the health care industry.
  Worcester Telegram and Gazette

• 05-19-13

  Heart implants found to be effective

  Patients from UMass Memorial Health Care were part of a study which found that cardiac defibrillators implanted in patients at high risk for heart attack proved effective in predicting heart attacks.
  Worcester Telegram and Gazette

• 05-19-13

  Business People

  Dennis M. Dimitri, MD, clinical associate professor in family medicine & community health, was elected vice president of the Massachusetts Medical Society.
  Worcester Telegram and Gazette

• 05-16-13

  Novartis produces a vaccine in less than a week

  An internationally recognized expert in viruses, Robert W. Finberg, MD, the Richard M. Haidack Professor of Medicine, chair and professor of medicine and professor of microbiology & physiological systems, is quoted in an article about a recent study that details an innovative method of using the genetic code of a flu virus to quickly design its vaccine.
  Boston Globe
  iHealth Beat

• 05-16-13

  Heart failure patients living longer, but long-term survival still low

  A new study by cardiac fellow Samuel W. Joffe, M.D., shows that people hospitalized for acute heart failure are likely to survive longer compared to the prior decade but overall, long-term survival rates remain low.
  Medical Xpress

• 05-16-13

  UMass Memorial nurses, administrators split on staffing

  An update on labor negotiations between the Massachusetts Nurses Association and UMass Memorial Medical Center.
  Worcester Telegram and Gazette

• 05-15-13

  Sustainability at UMass Medical School

  Chancellor Michael F. Collins, MD; John Baker, associate vice chancellor of facilities; Melissa Lucas, sustainability and energy manager; Tina Fortier, research associate cancer biology, and Terence R. Flotte, MD, the Celia and Isaac Haidak Professor in Medicine, executive deputy chancellor, provost, dean of the School of Medicine and professor of pediatrics and microbiology & physiological systems, are featured in a video about the Growing Green sustainability program at UMass Medical School.
  IPS Cell Therapy
  Immortality Medicine

• 05-15-13

  Scientific Design, Development of Polaris’s Oncology Distress Management System Published in Contemporary Clinical Trials

  Researchers at UMass Medical School were part of a trial for an oncology distress management system that assessed its clinical compatibility and utility.
  PR.com

• 05-14-13

  Lipitor Linked To An Increased Risk For Diabetes In Women

  Research by Yunsheng Ma, PhD, MD, MPH, associate professor of medicine, found that women who take Lipitor are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
  Attorney at Law

• 05-14-13

  UMass Boston to award posthumous degree to bombing victim Krystle Campbell

  The University of Massachusetts today announced a series of initiatives to honor victims injured and killed a month ago during the Boston Marathon attack, including a posthumous degree for Marathon victim Krystle Campbell, a former sociology student at UMass Boston.
  Boston.com
  Fox Boston

• 05-13-13

  Weekly challenge: Say no to Abercrombie & Fitch’s weight discrimination

  Sherry Pagoto, PhD, associate professor of medicine, was interviewed by the Boston Globe about retailer Abercrombie & Fitch’s decision not to carry extra-large clothing sizes and what message that might send to image-conscious teenagers.
  Boston.com

• 05-13-13

  Sensor technology holds promise to keep former drug addicts clean

  An article about the use of sensor-based devices to help treat people with substance abuse problems mentions a smartphone application called iHeal, developed by Edward Boyer, MD, PhD, professor of emergency medicine, and Richard Fletcher, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry. The application is designed to help detect developing drug cravings and promote an intervention prior to drug use.
  

• 05-13-13

  Mother's Day a stressful time for women going through infertility

  An article about the rise in infertility rates among women includes quotes from Julia V. Johnson, MD, chair and professor of obstetrics & gynecology.
  Worcester Telegram and Gazette

• 05-13-13

  Boston scientists earn Hughes Institute investigator status

  Marc R. Freeman, PhD, associate professor of neurobiology and a leader in the study of glial cells, has been named a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator.
  Boston Globe
  Worcester Telegram and Gazette

• 05-12-13

  Co-chairmen picked for Heart Walk

  UMass Medical School is a sponsor of the 2013 Central Massachusetts Heart Walk planned for May 19 at Cristoforo Columbo Park in Worcester.
  Worcester Telegram and Gazette

• 05-10-13

  UMass Memorial nurses plan strike

  Registered nurses who work at the Worcester-based hospital campuses of UMass Memorial Medical Center (UMMMC) issued the required 10-day notice today of their intent to conduct a one-day strike on Thursday, May 23.
  Worcester Telegram and Gazette
  Market Watch
  Boston.com
  WCVB
  Boston Herald

• 05-10-13

  Sensor technology is psychologists’ latest tool in tackling drug abuse

  An article about the use of sensor-based devices to help treat people with substance abuse problems mentions a smartphone application called iHeal, developed by Edward Boyer, MD, PhD, professor of emergency medicine, and Richard Fletcher, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry. The application is designed to help detect developing drug cravings and promote an intervention prior to drug use.
  Gigaom.com

• 05-09-13

  Health Watch Cancer Walk

  On the latest Health Watch segment Andrew Evens, DO, associate professor medicine, discusses the valuable clinical care and research that gets funded each year by the UMass Medicine Cancer Walk.
  Charter TV3

• 05-09-13

  One-third of new Howard Hughes-funded biomedical researchers from Massachusetts

  An article about Massachusetts major funders of biomedical research mentions the recent announcement of Marc R. Freeman, PhD, associate professor of neurobiology and a leader in the study of glial cells, as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator.
  Boston.com

• 05-09-13

  Pagoto: Society shouldn't allow stores to set beauty standards

  Sherry L. Pagoto, PhD, associate professor of medicine, talks to NECN about the controversy over a retailer who markets to an exclusive size range.
  NECN

• 05-09-13

  Boston-area scientists receive biomedical research funding

  Marc R. Freeman, PhD, associate professor of neurobiology and a leader in the study of glial cells, has been named a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator.
  Boston Globe
  Worcester Telegram and Gazette
  EurekAlert
  Phys.org

• 05-09-13

  Health Watch Allergies Extended

  Stephen J. Krinzman, MD, clinical associate professor of medicine, offers advice to those who suffer from spring allergies.
  Charter TV3

• 05-09-13

  Phillips vows to keep taking the fight to diabetes

  David M. Harlan, MD, the William and Doris Krupp Professor in Medicine and professor of medicine, and Michael P. Czech, PhD, the Isadore and Fannie Foxman Chair in Medical Research, chair and professor of molecular medicine and professor of biochemistry & molecular pharmacology, were among a panel of speakers to address Central Massachusetts business leaders on behalf of the American Diabetes Association’s Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes event.
  Worcester Telegram and Gazette

• 05-09-13

  United Way bestows awards at meeting

  Eric W. Dickson, MD, MHCM, FACEP, senior associate dean, professor of emergency medicine and the newly named president and chief executive officer of UMass Memorial Health Care, spoke at the United Way of Central Massachusetts’ 93^rd annual meeting.
  Worcester Telegram and Gazette

• 05-09-13

  Methylphenidate 'Normalizes' Activation in Key Brain Areas in Kids with ADHD

  Constance M. Moore, PhD, associate professor of psychiatry, was the lead investigator on new research that showed the stimulant drug methylphenidate "normalizes" activation of several brain areas in young patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  Newswire.com
  Bio-Medicine

• 05-09-13

  Charlton Girl Scout Cadettes make Blankets for Babies

  Four local cadettes of Girl Scout Troop 11284 have donated blankets to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UMass Memorial Medical Center.
  Worcester Telegram and Gazette

• 05-09-13

  Local hospital charges reflect disparities in system

  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released data this week showing a wide ranges in what local hospitals, including UMass Memorial Medical Center, charge for medical procedures.
  Worcester Telegram and Gazette

• 05-09-13

  Appointments to the Mass. Medical Society

  Richard S. Pieters, MD, clinical associate professor of radiation oncology, was named president-elect of the Massachusetts Medical Society. Dennis M. Dimitri, MD, clinical associate professor of family medicine & community health was named vice president.
  Boston.com

• 05-08-13

  10 years after landmark study, progress and challenges remain for youth mental health treatment

  Thomas Grisso, PhD, professor of psychiatry, talks about the impact of a study by the Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention on mental health and substance abuse problems faced by confined youth and the treatment provided to them, two years after its release.
  Publicintegrity.org

• 05-08-13

  Here Are the Official Medical Marijuana Regulations for Massachusetts

  An article about the recent release of medical marijuana rules and regulations by the Department of Public Health, includes comments from James B. Broadhurst, MD, assistant professor of family medicine & community health.
  Boston Magazine

• 05-08-13

  State House News -- Departing health commissioner looking to stay in public service

  Former Vice Chancellor of University Relations Albert “Albie” Sherman, is stepping down from the Public Health Council after 25 years.
  Braintree Wicked Local
  State House News Service

• 05-08-13

  In stressful times, helping others reduces your stress, too

  A story about coping with everyday stress, mentions a recent article in the Wall Street Journal about the increasing number of hospitals combining meditation with traditional medical therapies like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, which was devised at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
  Fort Wayne News-Sentinel.com

• 05-07-13

  Quality Measures for Kids Need to Be Different

  David M. Keller, MD, clinical professor of pediatrics, talks about the need for policymakers to develop Affordable Care Act models to measure pediatric care.
  MedPage Today

• 05-07-13

  Hunting down the deadly

  Robert A. Fein, PhD, senior affiliate in psychiatry, is quoted in a story about the pitfalls and challenges of profiling potential terrorists and shooters.
  Politico

• 05-07-13

  Waking Up the Workplace

  Gregg Jacobs, MD, an insomnia specialist at UMass Memorial Medical Center, talks about the need for employers to recognize sleep-deprivation as part of their wellness programs.
  Human Resource Executive Online

• 05-07-13

  UMass Memorial Health Care Agrees To $2.2M Wage Settlement

  UMass Memorial Health Care has tentatively agreed to pay $2.2 million to settle a three-year-old pay dispute with employees who alleged the organization did not adequately pay them for time worked. Robert Brogna, media and public relations manager at UMass Memorial Health Care, is quoted in the article.
  Worcester Business Journal

• 05-06-13

  F.D.A. Proposes New Tanning Bed Warnings

  Tanning beds could soon be labeled with skin cancer warnings, according to a report in USA Today that quotes Mary Maloney, MD, professor of medicine and director of dermatologic surgery and spokeswoman for the American Academy of Dermatology, on the new proposal from the Food and Drug Administration.
  New York Times
  USA Today
  NYDailyNews.com
  Wall Street Journal

• 05-06-13

  A weight off one’s mind

  A recent study found that women struggling with clinical depression and obesity significantly boosted their moods when behavioral therapy was incorporated into a comprehensive diet and exercise program. Sherry L. Pagoto, PhD, associate professor of medicine, is quoted in the article.
  Worcester Telegram and Gazette

• 05-06-13

  Newfound hormone holds hope for diabetes treatment

  A story about the discovery of a hormone that can sharply boost the number of cells that make insulin in mice includes comments from Philip J. diIorio, PhD, research assistant professor, about the potential for building supplies of human beta cells in a lab for transplant into diabetes patients.
  Associated Press

• 05-06-13

  Marlborough Hospital Opens Spine Center

  Robert L. Deters, MD, clinical assistant professor of orthopedics & physical rehabilitation, joins Marlborough Hospital’s Spine Center.
  Marlborough Patch

• 05-05-13

  Telomeres Affect Gene Expression

  Rossella Tupler, MD, PhD, research assistant professor in molecular medicine, is quoted in an article about a new study which found the gene responsible for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is caused, not by a genetic mutation, but by shortening of telomeres as we age.
  The Scientist

• 05-05-13

  Emergency funds for medical students

  UMMS is one of four Massachusetts medical schools to receive a $100,000 grant from the Middlesex District Medical Society to benefit medical students during unanticipated financial emergences.
  Worcester Telegram and Gazette

• 05-04-13

  UMass Medical School Doctor Named to TIME’s Top

  UMass Medical School’s Katherine Luzuriaga, MD, professor of pediatrics and molecular medicine, was recently named to TIME Magazine’s 2013 TIME 100, the magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. The article also includes coverage of the first case of a so-called “functional cure” in an HIV-infected infant.
  GoLocal Worcester
  PhilStar.com

• 05-03-13

  Chuck Brown: Am I a Dad or a Chuck?

  An article about the challenges of raising a teenager daughter, quotes Darshak M. Sanghavi, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and the author of A Map of the Child: A Pediatrician’s Tour of the Body.
  The Kitchener Recorder.com

• 05-03-13

  A renewed focus on family medicine

  Chancellor Michael F. Collins, MD; Ronald N. Adler, MD, assistant professor of family medicine & community health; and Elise M. Bognanno, fourth year medical student, are featured in an article about the shortage of primary care physicians and how UMass Medical School is combating the problem.
  Worcester Telegram and Gazette

• 05-03-13

  Obama Calls for Major Initiative to Advance Brain Research

  An article about President Obama’s proposed Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) project, includes comments from Sheldon Benjamin, MD, professor of psychiatry.
  Psychiatric News

• 05-03-13

  At-Home Drug Errors Common for Kids With Cancer

  New research by Kathleen E. Walsh, MD, associate professor of pediatrics, looks at missed doses, wrong doses and other medication errors among children with cancer who receive part of their treatment at home.
  WebMD
  US News

• 05-02-13

  The Changing Face of Autism

  A story about the new Center for Autism and NeuroDevelopmental Disorders opening at UMass Medical School includes comments from Jean A. Frazier, MD, the Robert M. and Shirley S. Siff Chair in Autism and professor of psychiatry and pediatrics; David Micah Cochran, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry; and Kelly Hurley, an autism resource specialist at UMMS.
  Worcester Magazine

• 05-01-13

  29 Massachusetts Students Who Shine

  UMass Medical School GSN student Meredith Walsh, MPH, RN, was named by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education as one of its “29 Who Shine” honorees for 2013. The award honors outstanding public university and college graduates, one from each UMass campus, state university and community college, for their academic achievement and community service.
  Boston.com
  Worcester Telegram and Gazette
  UMassMedNow