UNMC for the record

Bruce Gordon, M.D. (left) and Don Coulter, M.D., both pediatric oncologists/hematologists, are all smiles with their newly-shaven heads alongside 5-year-old Matthew Dinslage, who received a bone marrow transplant on July 4. Drs. Gordon and Coulter were two of more than 16 people who shaved their heads to raise funds for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation at The Nebraska Medical Center on July 11. More than $6,500 was raised for pediatric cancer research at the event. Anyone interested in donating to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation can do so here.

Jane Meza, Ph.D.

Jane Meza, Ph.D., senior associate dean of the UNMC College of Public Health, is one of 47 members in this year’s class of Leadership Omaha. This marks the 37th session of the Leadership Omaha program. It was established in 1978 by the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce as a way to develop effective leaders who will strengthen and transform the community. Class members are chosen based on their demonstrated community involvement and career advancement. More than 1,500 people have gone through the program, which includes orientation on Aug. 14, a retreat in September and then monthly, daylong sessions designed to encourage open dialogue among class members and more than 100 government officials, civil figures and business leaders who contribute as speakers. Class members also complete a small group project and can participate in several optional programs, such as a police ride-along. Graduation will take place in June 2015.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has developed a free patient information webinar on non-small cell lung cancer treatment. Registration for the Aug. 16 webinar at noon (CDT) can be made here. The NCCN is a not-for-profit alliance of 25 of the world’s leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research, and education. The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center at The Nebraska Medical Center is one of the 25 NCCN member institutions. The NCCN is dedicated to improving the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of cancer care so that patients can live better lives. Through the leadership and expertise of clinical professionals at NCCN member institutions, NCCN develops resources that present valuable information to the numerous stakeholders in the health care delivery system.

Kaleb Michaud, Ph.D., internal medicine-rheumatology, has received a Rheumatology Research Foundation award for $400,000. Dr. Michaud has developed an electronic mobile health tool for the capture of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity measures in the rheumatology clinic. This trial, which involves seven U.S. clinics and 1,000 patients, will collect one to three additional RA measures at normal clinic visits. Dr. Michaud will compare the data to that collected in common paper forms to develop highly standardized measures that can be used to provide quantitative evidence for controlling RA and other inflammatory arthritis.