med ed
No. 342, March 2002

For students, staff and faculty of the Medical School

Editor: Gregory Vercellotti, M.D.; Editorial Assistant: Allison Campbell

What was once med...

With this issue, med becomes med ed. Although the name has changed to reflect new editorship and, for the first time, the guidance of an editorial board, its mission remains the same: "to link the faculty and students of the Medical School by means of a regular communication of educational matters." I hope the communication flows both ways. Please let me know your critiques, story ideas, and suggestions for improvement, by phone at (612-626-5812) or e-mail (verce001@umn.edu or aac@umn.edu).

Encourage student researchers

Student researchers will be in the spotlight March 18, during the first Alfred F. Michael Medical Student Research Colloquium, with a poster display in the PWB corridor on the second floor. In addition, Stephen J. Weiss, editor of the Journal of Clinical Investigation and University of Michigan professor, will present the inaugural lecture. The deadline for students to submit abstracts is March 1; for details, see the Medical Education Web site (http://www.meded.umn.edu).

Coming soon

We have curriculum changes that begin this fall with the class of 2006. Classes will start August 16 and for the first seven weeks, entering students will take only Gross Anatomy and Physician and Society. The earlier start, combined with a shortened summer term, translates into a nine-week break between the first and second years (instead of the current four). This longer break is an opportunity for faculty seeking students to help with research projects. Want to encourage students to join your research team? Post your opportunities on the Web (http://cf-pub.ahc.umn.edu/med/resopps/).

Celebrating our values

At this year's White Coat Ceremony, we gathered to celebrate the bond between physician and patient. On Jan. 12, first-year students from the most multicultural class in our history received white coats, which symbolize their commitment to patient care. Keynote speaker Joe Dowling, artistic director of the Guthrie Theater, reminded students they can relearn their own humanity through theater.

Commemorating our donors

With readings, music, and dance, 400 people gathered for the Anatomy Memorial Service Jan. 14 to honor families of those who donated their bodies to the Medical School. In addition, students donated to the Como Park Conservatory plaza a brick inscribed "In memory of your life and gift to us. U of M Anatomy '01."

Teaching's critical role

Anne Taylor, M.D., Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, is leading a review of promotion and tenure criteria in the Medical School with input from the Education Council and other councils. This is an important process, as excellence in teaching is integral to our mission and rewarding teachers essential. Stay posted: med ed will report on recommendations as they evolve.

Mentoring's importance

The Hennepin and Ramsey Medical Societies have joined with the Alumni Medical Society and the Medical School in the last few years to match practicing physicians with medical students. This year, the mentoring program received a terrific response from the community; 119 first-year students were matched and we also have a waiting list of volunteers. Thank you to all who have become mentors; the students benefit greatly during their medical school years from your advice and your support.

Continuing to serve, in a new place

While CME Director Bart Galle remains on the sixth floor of Mayo, most of the staff of Continuing Medical Education have moved to the McNamara Alumni Center (also known as the Gateway). You still can reach them at (612) 626-7600 or gather information at their Web site (http://www.med.umn.edu/cme).

Computer lab upgrade

Adding 15 computer workstations, for a total of 40, and installing wireless access for those with laptops, will cut waiting times at the Medical School Student Computer Lab, which is located on the second floor of the PWB. The computer lab is open 24/7; Medical School students use their Ucards for entry. The lab provides access to e-mail, the Internet, Biomedical Library Internet-accessible materials, instructional software, and the Microsoft Office suite.

Privacy matters

Patient confidentiality traditionally has been a cornerstone of the physician-patient relationship. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the University will have privacy of information policies in place by April 2003. In storing or transmitting patient data electronically, we all need to use extra caution. Releases might not only violate confidentiality and be potentially damaging to patients, but also under HIPAA could become criminal issues.

Editor's Note: No Free Lunch

Direct-to-consumer advertising for pharmaceuticals or high-tech screening tests are reviewed in the Feb. 14, 2002 New England Journal of Medicine. Does seeing cholesterol-lowering drug ads on TV educate patients? Does it make them healthier? Or do these ads instead drive up drug and health care costs and make folks nervous and anxious? Check out NEJM and decide. See what some New York docs and students are saying about the annual $15.7 billion spent on pharmaceutical promotion at the No Free Lunch Web site (www.nofreelunch.org).

med ed is a newsletter from the University of Minnesota Medical School