Chuck Brown

Avian flu education: Flu shots won’t prevent bird flu — but still important

Current vaccines used to prevent seasonal influenza would not protect someone from catching avian influenza. But that’s not to say a seasonal flu vaccine would have no purpose should a worldwide bird flu pandemic break out as some fear may happen, said Mark Rupp, M.D., professor of infectious diseases at UNMC.

Jan 9, 2007

Dr. Deupree retiring after 34 years at UNMC

For Jean Deupree, Ph.D., it’s time to slow down a bit. That’s why on Friday, Dr. Deupree, professor of pharmacology and experimental neuroscience, will retire after 34 years as a teacher and researcher at UNMC.

Jan 4, 2007

UNMC making in roads in early childhood development

Early childhood development is an important issue for Nebraskans as evidenced by the recent passage of Amendment 5, a ballot item calling for more money to be directed toward early childhood development in the state. Increasing its contribution to early childhood development in the state of Nebraska is a focus point in the 2006-2009 UNMC strategic plan and progress is being made in that effort, said Cynthia Ellis, M.D., director of the Munroe-Meyer Institute’s Department of Developmental Medicine.

Jan 4, 2007

Study results may explain some diabetic effects on the brain

A UNMC research team has found a potential explanation for some of the effects of diabetes on the central nervous system. The discovery, which is reported in the Oct. 18 edition of Brain Research, could potentially explain the adverse affects of diabetes on parts of the brain that regulate bodily functions and sometimes, learning and memory.

Dec 28, 2006

Dr. Snyder brings smiles to patients in Nicaragua

For Mary Snyder, M.D., vacations are a time to work harder than ever. “This past October I spent a week in Nicaragua repairing cleft lips and palates. In that one week, I performed 40 surgeries,” Dr. Snyder said. “It was my second trip this year and my third in 18 months.”

Dec 22, 2006

UNMC-led panel educates legislators about health issues

The University of Nebraska recently hosted three policy seminars designed to help new and experienced state legislators anticipate and understand issues they may face in the upcoming session of the unicameral. The seminar topics focused on water, criminal justice and health care policy. UNMC designed and conducted the seminar on health care policy.

Dec 22, 2006

AAMC, UNMC look to create diversity in health care workforce

The numbers speak for themselves. Racial and ethnic minorities account for 25 percent of the nation’s population, but they make up only 12 percent of U.S. medical school graduates.
In an effort to improve this number and increase racial and ethnic diversity in the physician workforce, the Association of American Medical Colleges recently unveiled its AspiringDocs.org campaign. UNMC is also working on creating more diversity in the physician workforce.

Dec 20, 2006

HPTC rolls out latest directory

Still growing. That’s the story at the Health Professions Tracking Center, which recently rolled out this year’s edition of the “Directory of Nebraska and Western Iowa Healthcare Resources.”

Dec 15, 2006

Concealed-carry law doesn’t extend to medical center property

A bill passed in the Legislature earlier this year means that beginning Jan. 1, 2007, Nebraskans in many cities, including Omaha, can carry concealed weapons. That said, guns and other deadly weapons are not allowed on the grounds of UNMC, UNMC Physicians or The Nebraska Medical Center.

Dec 14, 2006

UNMC pre-party raises nearly $7,700 for Nebraska AIDS Project

Pauli’s — one of Omaha’s hot spots during the College World Series — was once again the place to be on the evening of Dec. 2, as it played host to UNMC’s pre-party for this year’s “Night of a Thousand Stars” event. More than 150 people turned out for the party, raising nearly $7,700 for the Nebraska AIDS Project.

Dec 11, 2006