» 2012 News Makers - 07 July
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News Makers 2012

- archived News Makers -

  • 07-30-12
    Genetic tests could explain why some children and teens die unexpectedly

    Darshak M. Sanghavi, MD, associate professor of pediatrics, explains how genetic testing may hold the key to understanding sudden, unexplained deaths among children and could save additional lives.
    The Washington Post

  • 07-30-12
    For Pfizer, Boston’s medical labs a lure

    Pfizer Inc., the world’s largest pharmaceutical company, is partnering with area research universities such as UMass Medical School to develop cures for diseases ranging from lung cancer to osteoporosis.
    Boston.com

  • 07-26-12
    Dr. Restuccia Talks about Truths and Myths of Hydration

    Marc Restuccia, MD, medical director of Life Flight and UMass Memorial EMS, was interviewed for a recent Health Watch segment on Worcester News Tonight about hydration. In the piece, Dr. Restuccia discusses the importance of drinking enough water every day and validates truths and debunks myths about hydration.
    Charter TV3 Health Watch

  • 07-27-12
    UMass Medical School in Worcester receives $6 million grant to reduce health disparities in low income populations, including Springfield

    UMass Medical School was awarded a five-year grant from the NIH to establish a new Health Equity Intervention Research Center with scientists from UMass Boston. As part of the grant, the Puerto Rican Cultural Center in Springfield will conduct a media campaign aimed at preventing sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancy. Jeroan Allison, MD, MSci, professor of quantitative health sciences & medicine, is quoted in the story.
    Springfield Republican
    Immortality Medicine

  • 07-27-12
    NICView webcams bring neonatals up close for families

    A new webcam service called Nicview allows parents to monitor and bond with babies admitted to the neonatal ICU via camera. Alan Picarillo, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics and obstetrics & gynecology, and Francis J. Bednarek, MD, professor of pediatrics and obstetrics & gynecology, are quoted in the story.
    Worcester Telegram and Gazette

  • 07-26-12
    UMass Medical School gets $6.7 million federal grant to battle health disparities

    UMass Medical School was awarded a five-year grant from the NIH to establish a new Health Equity Intervention Research Center with scientists from UMass Boston. Jeroan Allison, MD, MSci, professor of quantitative health sciences & medicine, is quoted in the story.
    Boston Globe
    Worcester Telegram
    Grays Medicine
    IPS Cell Therapy
    UMass Boston
    StemCell Therapy MD
    Gene Therapy.tv
    MedPedia
    World Medical School
    Cosmetic Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics

  • 07-26-12
    Healthy lifestyle remain key to lower diabetes risk

    A new study by Yunsheng Ma, PhD, MD, MPH, associate professor of medicine, shows that most cases of diabetes in American women over age 50 are preventable with diet and exercise, regardless of ethnicity.
    Worcester Telegram and Gazette
    Journal of American Academy of Physician Assistants
    Drugs.com

  • 07-25-12
    Prescription drugs

    James B. Broadhurst, MD, assistant professor of family medicine & community health and chair of the Worcester District Medical Society public health committee, is quoted in an article about the legalization of medical marijuana.
    Worcester Magazine

  • 07-25-12
    Fiskdale woman earns cancer research fellowship from the American Cancer Society

    Sally Chamberland, a 2012 Alvan T., Viola D. Fuller-American Cancer Society Junior Research Fellow and recipient of a grant from the American Cancer Society's New England Division, is spending her summer working under the guidance of Hayla K. Sluss, PhD, assistant professor of medicine and cancer biology.
    Worcester Telegram and Gazette

  • 07-24-12
    Marlborough Rotary Club announces plans for $20,000 fundraiser for Cancer Pavilion

    The Marlborough Rotary Club will hold a Black Tie Optional event on Saturday, Sept. 29 at Hellenic Hall to raise funds for the Cancer Pavilion at UMass Memorial Marlborough Hospital.
    Community Advocate

  • 07-24-12
    Conquer Poor Sleep

    The work of Gregg Jacobs, MD, an insomnia specialist at UMass Medical School, is referenced in a story about naturally alleviating sleeplessness.
    Psychology Today

  • 07-23-12
    Victor Ambros Joins Firefly BioWorks’ Scientific Advisory Board

    Victor R. Ambros, PhD, the Silverman Chair in Natural Sciences and professor of molecular medicine, is elected to the Firefly BioWorks scientific advisory board.
    Reuters
    BusinessWire
    IPS Cell Therapy
    TMC.net
    News Blaze
    Morningstar
    Yahoo.com
    Scottrade.com
    FierceBiotech

  • 07-23-12
    Israel adult stem cell trials - hope for ALS patients?

    Initial phases of a clinical trial for ALS conducted by BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics, Inc, in collaboration with the University of Massachusetts Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, shows its adult stem cell therapy is well-tolerated.
    Reuters
    Yahoo.com
    Chicago Tribune
    CNBC
    Orlando Sentinel
    WSAU.com
    WLMI
    WKZO
    FoxNews.com
    Huffington Post

  • 07-22-12
    Would banning tobacco work?

    Joseph R. Difranza, MD, professor of family medicine & community health, who is currently in New Zealand for a series of public and academic lectures on nicotine addiction and tobacco marketing, is interviewed on a New Zealand news program.
    TVNZ New Zealand

  • 07-22-12
    Smokers' rights website 'cynical'

    Joseph R. Difranza, MD, professor of family medicine & community health, who is currently in New Zealand for a series of public and academic lectures on nicotine addiction and tobacco marketing, is critical of tobacco companies’ attempts to create the illusion of support.
    Stuff.co.nz

  • 07-19-12
    New Device Prepares Breast Cancer Survivors For Reconstruction Surgery

    A local breast cancer survivor talks about her experience in a new clinical trial at the University of Massachusetts Medical School that uses a remote-controlled device to stretch skin for breast reconstruction after mastectomy so an implant can be put in place. The device is designed to replace the standard saline tissue expansion which requires weekly needle injections. John M. Castle, MD, clinical assistant professor of surgery, is leading the study.
    WBZ-TV
    Yahoo.com

  • 07-19-12
    UMass Memorial Medical Center has received 3-star rankings for cardiac surgery procedures

    UMass Memorial Medical Center has received 3-star rankings from the prestigious Society of Thoracic Surgeons for two cardiac surgery procedures: coronary artery bypass surgery and aortic valve replacement surgery.
    Worcester Telegram and Gazette

  • 07-18-12
    The Best Hospitals in Central MA

    UMass Memorial Medical Center took top honors in the region in the highly publicized ranking of more than 4,800 hospitals nationwide according to US News & World Report.
    GoLocalWorcester

  • 07-17-12
    Biogen Idec deal looks for genes behind Lou Gehrig’s disease

    UMass Medical School and others will collaborate with Biogen to sequence the genomes of up to 1,000 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, to better understand the fundamental causes of the neuro-degenerative disease. Duke University and the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology will lead the project, which includes Robert H. Brown Jr., DPhil, MD, chair and professor of neurology.
    Boston Herald
    Boston Business Journal
    AL.com
    Mass High Tech
    Contract Research

  • 07-17-12
    Monarch butterfly navigation secret uncovered

    Steven Reppert, MD, the Higgins Family Professor of Neuroscience and chair and professor of neurobiology, led a study detailing how the monarch butterfly's antennae work in tandem as a sun compass to help it migrate 2,000 miles from the eastern U.S to central Mexico. Patrick Guerra, PhD, a postdoc in neurobiology, is mentioned in the article.
    USAToday.com

  • 07-17-12
    UMass Medical School is Awarded Multi-Million Dollar Contract to Manage Health Care at Federal Correctional Health Facility in North Carolina

    The Federal Bureau of Prisons has awarded UMMS a contract to provide care and services at the Federal Medical Center located in Butner, NC. Joyce A. Murphy, executive vice chancellor for Commonwealth Medicine, is quoted in the story.
    Reuters
    Boston.com
    CNBC
    Enhanced Online News
    Business Wire
    Morningstar
    Immortality Medicine
    World Medical School
    Yahoo Finance
    Rock Hill Herald
    News Blaze
    TMCnet.com
    Worcester Business Journal

  • 07-16-12
    UMMS scientists identify new genetic mutation that causes familial ALS

    UMass Medical School researchers including John Landers, PhD, associate professor of neurology and senior author of the study, and Robert H. Brown Jr., DPhil, MD, chair and professor of neurology, discover a new genetic mutation that causes ALS.
    News-Medical.net
    Examiner.com
    EurekaAlert.com
    ALS Forum
    Science Daily
    redOrbit.com
    Medicalxpress.com
    NIH News
    BioSpace
    Pharmalive.com

  • 07-15-12
    Health cost bill may not attack key problem

    John O'Brien, president and CEO of UMass Memorial Health Care, is quoted in an article regarding the state’s health care cost-control bill.
    Boston.com

  • 07-14-12
    Mass. colleges in midst of building boom

    An article about statewide campus construction includes quotes from Terence R. Flotte, MD, theCelia and Isaac Haidak Professor in Medicine, executive deputy chancellor, provost, dean of the School of Medicine and professor of pediatrics and microbiology & physiological systems, about the Albert Sherman Center.
    Worcester Telegram and Gazette

  • 07-14-12
    John Monfredo: Combining Health and Literacy Essential for Our Children

    A ceremony to unveil the new Ronald McDonald Care Center was held at UMass Memorial Health Center. The mobile center will provide medical, dental, and educational equipment for Worcester area patients. John O’Brien, president and CEO of UMass Memorial Health Care, is mentioned in the story.
    GoLocalWorcester

  • 07-13-12
    Dr. Ayers Talks about Joint Replacement

    David Ayers, MD, the Arthur M. Pappas, MD, Chair in Orthopedics and chair and professor of orthopedics & physical rehabilitation, talks about knee replacement surgery.
    Charter TV3

  • 07-13-12
    UMASS Medical School Distinguished Speaker Series Presents Titanic Explorer, Dr. Robert Ballard, at The Hanover Theatre this Fall

    Dr. Robert Ballard, best known for his historic discovery of the R.M.S. TITANIC, is scheduled to speak about his expedition at the Hanover Theater on Thursday, October 11th at 7:30 p.m. as part of the UMass Medical School Distinguished Speaker Series.
    News.yahoo.com

  • 07-12-12
    Exercise, Meditation Can Beat Back Cold, Flu, Study Finds

    James F. Carmody, PhD, associate professor of medicine, is quoted in an article about a recent study suggesting that regular exercise and mindful meditation results in less sick time due to respiratory infections such as the cold and flu.
    U.S.News & World Report
    KTTC.com
    Health24.com
    Chicago Tribune
    Health24

  • 07-12-12
    NIH award targets nanotechnology for atherosclerosis imaging

    SignaBlok has been awarded a grant to develop multifunctional nanoformulations for diagnostic imaging of atherosclerosis by the NIH. The research will be conducted in conjunction with the Advanced MRI Center at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester.
    HealthImaging
    Cardiovascular Business

  • 07-12-12
    HealthAlliance Hospital earns top rating for safety in Mass.

    HealthAlliance Hospital received the highest safety score for patient care of any hospital in Massachusetts. Patrick Muldoon, president of HealthAlliance Hospital, which is part of the UMass Memorial Health Care system, is quoted in the story.
    Sentinel & Enterprise

  • 07-11-12
    Putting the public back into public health

    UMass Memorial Health Care is helping to organize an outreach program aimed at helping residents of Worcester improve their quality of life and live healthier. Michael P. Hirsh, MD, professor of surgery and pediatrics, and Worcester’s interim commissioner of public health, is quoted in the story.
    Worcester Magazine

  • 07-11-12
    New Mobile Care Center to Serve Worcester

    A ceremony to unveil the new Ronald McDonald Care Center was held at UMass Memorial Health Center yesterday. The mobile center will provide medical, dental, and educational equipment for Worcester area patients. John O’Brien, president and CEO of UMass Memorial Health Care, is quoted in the story.
    GoLocalWorcester

  • 07-11-12
    Volunteer hospital greeter from Shrewsbury helps people find their way

    Mike Kamrad, a volunteer greeter for UMass Memorial Health Care, is featured in a local paper about his efforts to give back to the community.
    Community Advocate

  • 07-11-12
    Hot kids get free ride to city pools

    The Wheels to Water program gives local children transportation to area pools. The program also offers swim lessons and activity programs and is sponsored in part by UMass Memorial Health Care.
    Worcester Telegram and Gazette

  • 07-11-12
    Anti-Castro politics attempts to capitalizes on Cuba’s cholera outbreak

    Romy Aranguiz, MD, rheumatology fellow, talks about the outbreak of cholera in Cuba. The disease, which can be treated with antibiotics, has caused an unconfirmed number of deaths.
    New York Daily Times

  • 07-11-12
    Worcester Aims to be Healthiest City in New England

    UMass Memorial Health Care teams up with Worcester’s public health department to make Worcester the healthiest city in New England by 2020. Monica Lowell, vice president for community relations, is quoted in the article.
    GoLocalWorcester

  • 07-10-12
    Massachusetts Primary Care Practices Focus of Consumer Reports Ratings

    Dennis M. Dimitri, MD, FAAFP, clinical associate professor of family medicine & community health, is quoted in article about Consumer Reports evaluation of primary care practices.
    AAFP

  • 07-10-12
    Former Mass. Gov. Cellucci On His Political Career And Living With ALS

    Former Massachusetts Gov. Paul Cellucci talks with WBUR about his battle with ALS and fundraising efforts for the UMass ALS Champion Fund.
    WBUR

  • 07-10-12
    Switch to Extended Piperacillin/Tazo Infusion Cuts Cost

    Roy Guharoy, PharmD, clinical professor of medicine, talks about a recent study in which infusions of piperacillin/tazobactam when switched from intermittent to extended resulted in decreased pharmacy costs.
    Pharmacy Practice News

  • 07-09-12
    Wheels To Water program kicks off in Worcester, Mass.

    John O'Brien, president and CEO of UMass Memorial Health Care, talks about the Wheels to Water program which gives local children transportation to area pools. The program also offers swim lessons and activity programs and is sponsored in part by UMass Memorial Health Care.
    NECN.com

  • 07-09-12
    UMass Memorial Awarded For Facebook Page

    The UMass Memorial Medical Center Facebook page was recently awarded the top prize in its category by the New England Society for Healthcare Communications. Rhian Gregory, senior director of marketing and communications is quoted in the story.
    Worcester Business Journal

  • 07-08-12
    Effectiveness, impact of health care report cards debated

    An article about health care report cards issued by Consumer Reports includes comments from Robert A. Klugman, UMass Memorial Medical Center chief quality officer, and why the hospital stopped filling out the questionnaires used to generate the grades.
    Worcester Telegram and Gazette

  • 07-08-12
    How the waiver program works

    The University of Massachusetts Medical School is conducting applicant screening for the Acquired Brain Injury Waiver Program.
    Boston.com

  • 07-04-12
    Post-op delirium's toll on mental function may linger: study

    Jane Saczynski, assistant professor of medicine, is lead author on a new study showing that older heart patients who experience confusion after surgery take longer to recover cognitive skills. In the article she explains that medical personnel may need to pay closer attention to whether a patient has developed delirium and that rehabilitation services in cardiac patients may be tailored to those patients.
    US News & World Report
    Reuters Health
    WBRC Fox
    Medical Daily
    Family Practice News
    WBUR

  • 07-01-12
    Some runners prefer (very) long distances

    A story about the risks “extreme” running may pose to the heart includes comments from Peter Gibson, MD, assistant professor of medicine.
    Worcester Telegram and Gazette