News briefs

Howard Gendelman, M.D., pharmacology and experimental neuroscience, spoke July 29 to a group at Lakeside Village Retirement Community. He discussed his Parkinson’s disease research and clinical trials taking place at UNMC.

The clinical enterprise is investing $11million in raises, affecting 98 percent of employees. The 200 or so UNMC employees who will move to the clinical enterprise will be notified by their supervisor by Sept. 1.  The benefits package won’t change until Jan.1, but pay/title may change immediately upon notification.

Dan Murman, M.D., professor, neurological sciences, was presented with the Alzheimer’s Association Research Award at the Alzheimer’s Association All Stars Gala on July 19 at the Hilton Omaha.. The award recognizes Dr. Murman for his significant contributions and work to further the cause of the association.

James Armitage, M.D., has joined Oncology Analytics' Distinguished Academic Advisory Board. As a member of the board, he will promote and reinforce value-based cancer care. Oncology Analytics provides chemotherapy decision support services and technology solutions used by more than 4,000 physicians and covering more than 1.5 million members for national health plans. Through clinical research, patented technology and physician-centric customer services, the organization ensures oncologists have the information they need to deliver the most effective, least toxic and most affordable chemotherapy treatments available to patients.

Diana Florescu, M.D., internal medicine – infectious diseases, presented an abstract at the World Transplant Congress in San Francisco on July 27. She detailed the use of an oral antiviral, brincidofovir, in treating liver transplant or multiorgan transplant patients dealing with a serious or life-threatening double-stranded DNA virus infection.

The 2014 Cattlemen's Ball of Nebraska raised more than $1.3 million last month. The event, held June 6-7 at the Hoot Owl Ranch near the Panhandle community of Harrisburg in Banner County, has been held yearly since 1998 at a different ranch. Ninety percent of the proceeds go toward cancer research at UNMC. The remainder goes to regional medical organizations.