SPH News Feb. 12, 2007
Feb. 12, 2007
SPH News is a school-wide electronic newsletter distributed every other week. Please send news items to SPHNews@umn.edu. The submission deadline for the Feb. 26 issue is Wednesday, Feb. 21.
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From the Dean
Author Malcolm Gladwell's The Tipping Point is a great read for understanding how national and global trends sprout and blossom. Among the "farmers" who seed and nurture them, the author points to key individuals called "connectors." They are the ones who have an inexhaustible supply of people, places, and ideas whom they connect with one another to start the next trend growing. I believe that the SPH's own Michael Osterholm is one of these "farmers." He started life on an Iowa farmstead, after all, so the idea of growing things -- even global trends -- is not foreign to him.
Last week, Mike invited me to the Second National Summit on Business Preparedness for Pandemic Influenza that he and his hard working staff put together in Orlando. Hundreds of executives from the global business community, Fortune 500 companies and small business owners, attended to learn what they can do to prepare for an eventual influenza pandemic. While the conference last year planted lots of seeds on skeptical ground, it was clear this year that preparedness planning has taken root in the business community.
The private sector is engaged in planning to reduce the economic and social disruption of an event such as pandemic influenza, using their global networks, putting decision-making processes in place, and recognizing that life will go on even in the face of such an unthinkable event. How well it goes on is what preparedness is about. It was also clear in listening to executives that pandemic influenza preparedness ports well to other more localized disasters and disruptions; that private-sector preparedness has public sector benefit; and that public health (at least in this regard) has become important to businesses.
But if I was fortunate to attend the conference, much more fortunate were students in Mike Osterholm's spring semester SPH course who also attended and mixed with private sector leaders and luminaries such as former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. She graciously spent about 30 minutes exclusively with Mike's students to discuss the importance of public health in the world and how relationships shape public policy. Even the executives didn't get that kind of "face time." The Secretary, although short in physical stature, looms large in spirit and experience.
You don't have to take my word for all of this, however. Several of Mike's students "blogged" their way through the conference. Their observations also make a great read. You can find them here: http://blog.lib.umn.edu/sphpod/panflu/
(a slideshow with audio is also available at: www.sph.umn.edu/about/slideshow.html).
Their observations show public health learning in action. My thanks to Mike and his entire staff for giving so many of our students an unforgettable experience.
--John R. Finnegan, Jr., Ph.D.
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Media news
January 2007 media coverage featured the following SPH faculty and staff:
Lynn Blewett
Tim Church
Roger Feldman
Rosalie Kane
Harry Lando
Nicole Larson
Dianne Neumark-Sztainer
Michael Osterholm
Mark Pereira
Mary Story
Coverage was featured in local media as well as in Forbes Magazine, the New York Times, and Bloomberg News Service. Visit http://www.sph.umn.edu/news/ to read more about SPH faculty in the news and find links to the complete stories, or e-mail SPHNews@umn.edu to request hard copies of the stories.
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Faculty news
Bernard Harlow contributed to the Feb. 6 Institute of Medicine summary report titled, "Assessing the Medical Risks of Human Oocyte Donation for Stem Cell Research." The report summarizes views presented at a September 2006 workshop that brought together top scientists in the field of stem cell research.
DeAnn Lazovich was recently named vice chair of the Minnesota Cancer Alliance Steering Committee and will assume her one-year position as chair in 2008. This committee is the governing body of the Minnesota Cancer Alliance and is responsible for the ongoing development, implementation, and evaluation of Cancer Plan Minnesota.
Watch SPH faculty on TPT TV. John Finnegan and Mary Story, along with other experts, discuss the importance of prevention in health care. The show will air on TPT's Minnesota Channel 17 on Sunday, Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. (other air dates TBD).
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Student news
Rada Dagher, HPM doctoral student, was awarded $10,000 from the Midwest
Center of Occupational Safety and Health (sponsored by NIOSH) to work on
her dissertation "The psychosocial work environment and maternal postpartum
depression: A longitudinal analysis."
Three MHA students, Michael Miller, Nick Smith and Karen Strauman-Raymond, will represent the SPH in the 1st Annual Health Administration Case Competition. The event will be held on Feb. 7-8 at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The trio will compete against 14 other teams for scholarship funds and the opportunity to demonstrate their analytical and presentation skills.
The second annual Graduate and Professional Student Career Fair will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22, in the Great Hall at the Coffman Union. This is a great way for students to learn about internship and employment opportunities, to develop a network of contacts, and to gain valuable interview experience in a low-risk environment.
• Pre-Register online (required)
Links to specific information about global health scholarships and internships is now available on the SPH Web site at: www.sph.umn.edu/globalhealthdollars
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School news
Dean John Finnegan has named David Jacobs and Susan Goodwin Gerberich Mayo Professors of Public Health, the school’s highest recognition of its faculty members. The professorship recognizes the achievements of senior SPH faculty members who demonstrate excellence in research, teaching and outreach. Gerberich is best known for helping to found and being a major contributor to the field of injury prevention research. She is the director of the Regional Injury Prevention Research Center and the Center for Violence Prevention and Control at the University of Minnesota. Jacobs is a noted epidemiologist who specializes in cardiovascular disease prevention research. Most recently his research has centered on the health benefits of whole grains.
"Sue Gerberich and David Jacobs have developed exactly the kind of academic careers that the Mayo Professorship seeks to honor," says Finnegan. "They are known nationally and globally for their work, and they serve as exemplars for all of us. It's a real privilege for me to honor two such talented and committed faculty as Sue and David."
More than 300 leaders in business, government, and academia attended the
Business Preparedness for Pandemic Influenza: Second National Summit held last week in Orlando, Fla. The summit was organized by SPH professor Mike Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP). Also in attendance were 18 students from Osterholm’s Emerging Infectious Diseases course.
• Read student accounts from the Summit
• See photos/hear audio diaries from the Summit
The Emerging Leaders' Network is seeking applicants for its 2007 program. The application deadline is Thursday, March 22. This unique program seeks those who have leadership potential but who may not yet be in leadership positions. It also seeks diversity in its applicants in race/ethnicity, professional background, age, gender and geography.
This is a great opportunity to develop future leaders for public health in Minnesota. Please consider applying to this program and encourage colleagues, staff or others with public health leadership potential to apply. If you have any questions about the application or its submission, please contact Gail Gentling at gail.gentling@health.state.mn.us or at 651-201-3875.
• Learn more/download the application
The themes for the 2007 National Public Health Week Film Festival, April 2-6, have been set. Monday: aging, Tuesday: HIV/AIDS, Wednesday: climate change, Thursday: immigrant health, and Friday: sex education. For more information about the films that will be screened visit www.sph.umn.edu/filmfestevents.html.
SPH faculty, students, and alumni joined more than 800 people on Jan. 30 for Smoke Free Day at the Minnesota State Capitol. Participants talked about the importance of smoke-free legislation with state representatives and senators.
• View a photo slideshow from the event
The Minnesota AIDS Project (MAP) is sponsoring AIDS Action Day on Tuesday, March 6. The agenda includes meetings with individual legislators, and a noon rally at the Capitol Rotunda to hear speakers from the community and legislature raise awareness and visibility about HIV. The purpose of AIDS Action Day is to promote education, advocacy, and visibility around HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment issues at the state level.
• Learn more
It's Global: A Juried Public Health Film-making Competition. Can you make a five-second film? Do you have something to say about pollution? Clean water? Refugee health? Preparing for disasters? Nutrition? Infectious disease? Access to health care? Climate change? Submit your entries for either short form (up to 10 seconds) or long form (11-30 seconds). Select entries will be screened at the National Public Health Week Film Festival during the week of April 2-7. Call for entries submission deadline: March 12. Contact: film@umn.edu or 4-6669.
• Learn more
Mark Enger has joined the Division of Health Policy and Management as an associate program director for alumni services. He will work to strengthen the ties between students and the field of practice, lead the MHA Alumni Association, mentor students, and collaborate with other University agencies to enhance fundraising efforts. Enger has had an accomplished career as a health care executive, including 12 years as president of Fairview Southdale Hospital.
Renovations in the Dean’s Office have begun. Extensive renovation of the main entrance and conference room will continue until the end of March. Please enter through A310, near the elevators, instead of the main entrance of A302. The main entrance is now closed and the conference room is closed to meetings. This is the first major renovation of Dean’s Office space since 1987. Progress of the project will be chronicled on the SPH web site soon.
The State of the Academic Health Center (AHC) remains strong, Senior VP Cerra reported Jan. 31. But the increasingly competitive higher education environment requires the AHC to focus on offering a distinctive educational experience, becoming a talent magnet for top faculty, and becoming the destination of choice for patients. Cerra delivered the address in the newly renovated, historic Mayo Auditorium.
• Read more
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Events & Courses
The Minnesota Public Health Association presents Community Forum: Policymakers and Public Health. Join Senator Mee Moua, Rep. Sheldon Johnson, and County Commissioner Jim McDonough for a conversation about public health policy. Possible topics include: universal healthcare, active lving and fitness, freedom to breathe act, and obesity prevention. Monday, Feb. 12, 5:30 p.m., First Lutheran Church, 461 Maria Avenue, St. Paul. Contact Bob Hulteen at 651-379-0753 with questions. MPHA is a co-sponsor of this event.
The recruitment and career development of minority investigators will be the topic of a roundtable discussion scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 15, which runs from 3:15 to 5 p.m. and will be held in 4-180 Weaver-Densford Hall. The discussion features Loretta Jemmott. This roundtable will begin with pre-submitted questions. Please send questions and your register in advance to wood0132@umn.edu or call Heather Wood at 5-3919. A light reception will follow from 5 to 6 p.m. in 4-185 Weaver-Densford Hall.Jemmott is the van Ameringen Professor in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing and director of the Center for Health Disparities, School of Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania. She is also February’s Distinguished Visiting Scholar in Health Disparities.
The Division of Epidemiology and Community Health Seminars take place on Fridays from 10 to 11 a.m. in conference room 364 in WBOB.
• Feb. 16: Alan Hirsch, SPH professor, "PAD Public Education to Improve Cardiovascular Outcomes: From Epidemiology to a National Educational Campaign (the Minnesota Story)."
• Learn more
The Office of Clinical Research and the Program in Health Disparities Research will host Loretta Jemmott, speaking on "Recruitment of Ethnic Minorities into Clinical Trials" on Friday, Feb. 16, 12-1 p.m. in 1-450G Moos Tower. The event is part of the Distinguished Visiting Scholar Series in Health Disparities. Sandwiches and beverages will be served. Jemmott is the van Ameringen Professor in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing and director of the Center for Health Disparities, School of Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania.
The MacLaurin Institute is sponsoring its second Faith and Economics lecture, "Why Trade Matters to the Poor." The featured speaker is Judith Dean. The lecture, which is free and open to the public, is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. It will be held in room B45 of the Classroom Office Building on the St. Paul campus. For further information contact Matt Kaul at 612-378-1935, kaul0038@umn.edu.
A Symposium on Civic Engagement and Moral Education will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 19. Distinguished scholars, Richard Bernstein, Mark Bauerlein and Nicholas Wolterstorff will discuss, "What is the Purpose of the University?" Rusty Barcelo, Vice Provost for Equity and diversity, will serve as emcee. The speakers will consider why civic engagement should be as important as career development in the university’s commitment to its students. The free conversation will be held in the Cowles Auditorium in the Humphrey Center. The discussion is sponsored by Office of Public Engagement, Office for Student Engagement and Leadership, MacLaurin Institute, Program in Human Rights and Health, and the proposed Institute for Diversity, Ethics, and Peace.
For further information contact Matt Kaul at 612-378-1935, kaul0038@umn.edu.
Ground-breaking Stem Cell Conference will be held on Monday, Feb. 26. This is a full-day conference sponsored by the Consortium on Law and Values in Health, Environment & the Life Sciences. This conference will convene top researchers and experts to explore the issues raised by SCNT (somatic cell nuclear transfer), the options open to universities, and how policy should progress. To register for the conference, "Creating Stem Cells by Research Cloning: Scientific, Ethical, Legal and Policy Challenges," visit the Web site or e-mail lawvalue@umn.edu.
The School of Public Health, Health Disparities Work Group Forum presents "Relevant Risk, Revolution and Revisiting Rose -- Causes of Population Levels and Social Inequalities in Health." This forum will examine appropriate methods for measuring population health and health inequalities, describe the relationship between risk factors and social inequalities in coronary heart disease and look at population health strategies that achieve the largest population health benefit. The forum will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, March 23 in the Coffman Memorial Union Theater. The forum is free but registration is requested. For more details, online registration and parking information visit http://cpheo.sph.umn.edu.
Upcoming CPHEO Offerings
• 24/40-Hour Hazardous Waste Site Worker Training, Feb. 12-16
• Incident Management Systems Awareness, Thursday, Feb. 22.
For more information or to register visit cpheo.sph.umn.edu/niehs
• 8-Hour Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Refresher, Thursday, March 1.
For more information or to register visit cpheo.sph.umn.edu/niehs
• Emergency Readiness Rounds: Legal Implications During Times of Preparedness for Public Health Worker's and Special Populations
Featured Speakers: Anne Barry, Assistant Professor, Division of Health Policy & Management and Jan Malcolm, CEO of Courage Center. The discussion will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7 in the Mississippi Room of the Coffman Memorial Union. For more information or to register for this event visit cpheo.sph.umn.edu/meret
• 2007 Summer Public Health Institute. The institute will be held May 21-June 8 on the Twin Cities University campus. Visit cpheo.sph.umn.edu/institute for the complete three-week Institute schedule.
• Want to know more about Occupational Health and Safety? This module will help you discover the unique roles professional have in maintaining the safety and health of workers. View the module at cpheo1.sph.umn.edu/OHS/.
• Save the date! Community Action Forum: Healthy Kids in Healthy Places.
The forum will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 9 at the University of Minnesota, Continuing Education and Conference Center. More information to come.
• Events on the AHC Web Site
• Events on the SPH Web Site
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Last modified on Monday Feb 12, 2007