This week, KU and KU Medical Center kicked off a series of meetings with Kansas legislators on how research affects the health and economy of our state. The Science Serving Kansas roundtable discussions are giving us a valuable opportunity to discuss with key lawmakers the important role research is playing in Kansas.
In so many of their encounters with higher education officials, state legislators are asked for money. Less often are they are shown the results of previous support, the relevance of university research and scholarship to the health and well-being of citizens, and the tremendous impact this research can have on a state’s economic prosperity. This series is designed to provide us an opportunity to do just that.
The Science Serving Kansas discussions got off to a great start this past Monday in Topeka, when Ed Ellerbeck, MD, MPH, chair of KUMC’s Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, and Roy Jensen, MD, director of the KU Cancer Center, spoke to nearly 40 legislators about the progress being made toward NCI designation and the numerous cancer control programs currently being sponsored around the state by KUMC.
The series continues next Friday in Lawrence with Jeff Aubé, PhD, Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at KU. Another session will take place on Friday, Feb. 12, with the speaker and location to be determined. The meetings wind up on Feb.15 in Topeka, when Laurence Weatherley, PhD, Chair of the KU Energy Council, will lead the discussion.
I am confident that the outstanding scientists from KU and KU Medical Center are excellent ambassadors to convey the true nature of what we do to those who play a significant role in funding our work. I know that both the messengers and the legislators will benefit a great deal from these interactions.
KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little introduced two new Eminent Scholars at a Kansas Bioscience Day ceremony in Topeka on Tuesday. The Eminent Scholars are Rakesh Srivastava, PhD, (left) a professor of pharmacology, toxicology and therapeutics at the KU Cancer Center and David Volkin, PhD, (right) a pharmaceutical scientist at KU's Laboratory for Macromolecular and Vaccine Stabilization. Read more.
In the News
Many faculty and staff at KU Medical Center are wondering how they can assist the people of Haiti, who are suffering in the aftermath of the massive earthquake on Jan. 12. Our Haitian relief effort is being coordinated by Doug Girod, MD, Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs. If you are interested in being part of this program, email Barb Petersen at bpetersen@kumc.edu.
Willis L. Beller, MD, one of KU Medical Center's most ardent supporters, passed away on January 15 at his home in Topeka at the age of 95. Dr. Beller created a charitable trust that has greatly benefited the School of Medicine. In recognition of his gift, the conference center in the Kansas Life Sciences Innovation Center was named for Dr. Beller and his wife, Rose.
The KU Kids Healing Place has received a $25,000 grant from CVS Caremark. The organization assists families dealing with the serious illnesses that their children are facing. Director Kathy Davis and her staff use a family palliative care model from the time of diagnosis through transitional care, resolution of the disease process, or in too many cases, end of life. The grant will be used to secure funding for a resource library center that will help help patients and their families to better deal with their diagnosis.
Kudos
Estelle Schmidt, RN, BSN, has been named the HCA Midwest Nurse of the Year. Estelle is currently enrolled in the KU School of Nursing master's program. Details here.
Public Policy
What happens during 2010 on the federal and state policy levels will be critical to the future of KU Medical Center. The Public Policy area of our Web site will have information about our public policy efforts, including KUMC's federal and state legislative priorities and how those priorities are faring. There are also important guidelines for KUMC faculty and staff who are invited to testify before a legislative body. Please check the site frequently to keep up to date on public policy matters.
Other Items of Interest
A benefit concert for the JayDoc Free Clinic will be held on Friday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Uptown Theater in Kansas City. JayRock 5 will feature The Generationals. Go here for tickets and more information.
Fitness guru Bob Greene will be the star attraction at Girls’ Night In. The event benefits “A Change of Heart,” the women’s heart health program at KU Hospital. The event is from 5:30 - 9 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center. Tickets are $100 and can be obtained by calling 8-8888 or e-mailing Girls_Night_In@kumc.edu.