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Alum Notes

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Winter 2001

Scribe Winter 2001

WSU receives $11 million grant to bridge gap between clinical research and community treatment for drug abuse

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has awarded WSU a five-year, $11 million grant to establish a network of community treatment groups and state universities to study the practical application of research on drug addiction treatment.

Hour Detroit honors area’s top doctors

A survey in the October 2000 issue of Hour Detroit magazine listed “The Top Docs” as chosen by 5,000 selected physicians and nurses in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw counties. Of the 185 doctors named to the list, 45 percent are faculty members of the Wayne State University School of Medicine. Even more impressively, of the 51 pediatric specialists listed, 38 people--or 75 percent of the doctors--are WSU faculty members.

Lithium treatment increases gray matter volume in human brain

Four weeks of treatment with lithium, a drug commonly used for the treatment of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness), increases gray matter volume in the human brain, according to a study by Wayne State University School of Medicine researchers published in the October 7 issue of The Lancet.

WSU receives elite designation to participate in clinical protocols for infertility

Wayne State University is one of only eight centers in the country to be selected for participation in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Cooperative Multicenter Reproductive Medicine Network. This designation allows faculty members and physicians at the WSU School of Medicine to participate in and contribute to large-scale clinical protocols related to fertility, gynecology and reproductive endocrinology.

Study to determine if condition of uterine lining affects fertility

Through its participation in the Cooperative Multicenter Reproductive Medicine Network, Wayne State University is enrolling women in a national study to determine if the condition of the uterine lining can predict fertility or infertility.

Money-back guarantee offered to couples who undergo in vitro fertilization

Six Wayne State University doctors who participate in the Advanced Reproductive Care (ARC) network are offering innovative payment plans for fertility services that may otherwise be cost prohibitive. ARC contracts with insurers and corporations to help patients cover the costs associated with assisted reproduction.

Reducing lymphedema in breast cancer survivors

As the number of breast cancer survivors increases, the incidence of side effects from treatment also increases. One such side effect is lymphedema, which may manifest as a painful swelling of the upper extremity. Dr. Mary Ann Kosir believes lymphedema can be reduced if women are trained to recognize and alleviate the problem.

Body’s checkpoints are essential in stopping cancer cells

Dr. George Brush, assistant professor of pathology (oncology), is studying the molecular mechanisms underlying the DNA damage and DNA replication checkpoint responses. His studies could lead to targeted cancer therapies that better utilize the body’s natural gatekeepers and safety mechanisms to flush out dangerous cancer cells.

Training grant prepares neuroscientists

With an eye on the future, the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences recently secured a five-year grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to train junior neuroscientists in drug abuse and addiction research. Principal Investigator Dr. Donald Kuhn says the program will train two predoctoral and two postdoctoral fellows per year.

African American’s stroke risk studied

Dr. Seemant Chaturvedi, associate professor of neurology, received a $74,000 grant from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation to help identify vascular and nutritional causes that put African Americans at increased risk for stroke.

Women’s bleeding disorders may be misdiagnosed

Women who suffer from excessive menstrual bleeding may have undiagnosed inherited blood disorders, according to Jeanne Lusher, MD, distinguished professor of pediatric hematology-oncology.

Researchers gather for symposium on promising treatment for Type 1 diabetes

Researchers gathered Oct. 20 for the Third Annual International Motor City Diabetes Symposium, hosted by Wayne State University, to discuss connecting-peptide (or C-peptide) therapy, which has shown promise in European clinical trials for limiting the damaging effects of diabetes complications.

Dr. Lee wins Life Achievement Award

Chuan-pu Lee, PhD, Wayne State University School of Medicine distinguished professor of biochemistry and neurology, recently was named a recipient of the 2000 Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame Life Achievement Award by the Michigan Women’s Studies Association Inc.

Dr. Tranchida appointed to faculty affairs post

Liborio Tranchida, MD, has been appointed associate dean, faculty affairs, for the Wayne State University School of Medicine, effective immediately. In the newly-created position, Dr. Tranchida will be responsible for faculty administrative issues including promotion and tenure, voluntary appointments and academic credentialing.

WSU establishes The Liborio Tranchida, M.D., Endowed Chair in Internal Medicine

During his 30-year career as a physician, educator and administrator, Dr. Tranchida has touched the lives of patients, colleagues, residents and students. The Liborio Tranchida, M.D., Endowed Chair in Internal Medicine will honor his name and achievements.

Dermatology chair appointed

George Murakawa, MD, PhD, has been appointed chair of the Department of Dermatology and Syphilology at the Wayne State University School of Medicine.

Chief of staff to lead advancement efforts

In her role as chief of staff, Donna Dauphinais takes responsibility for the overall advancement program for the school, including fund raising, public relations and government relations initiatives. In addition, Dauphinais will lead the efforts to implement the school’s strategic plan.

School of Business Administration launches executive MBA for physicians

In fall 2001, the Wayne State University School of Business Administration will launch an Executive Master in Business Administration for Physicians program. A joint initiative of the business school, the WSU School of Medicine and the Detroit Medical Center, the intense 16-month program is designed to provide doctors with the skills they need to be effective administrators in today’s highly competitive health care environment.

Graduate research recognized

Alum Notes Winter 2001

During the 10 evenings of last fall’s 28th annual Telefund, a spacious conference room adjacent to the Scott Hall cafeteria was transformed into a telemarketer’s heaven. As 110 alumni and student volunteers contacted thousands of School of Medicine alumni across the nation, alumni responded enthusiastically to the calls for support. With tallies still underway, the gift total approached $450,000.

Alums serve on school’s advisory group

Dean John Crissman recently appointed four alumni to the School of Medicine Board of Visitors (BOV), enlarging the alumni presence on this important group. New appointees are Drs. Noel Lawson, ‘63, Taylor Lewis, ‘78, Robert Lucas, ‘55, and Jack Ryan, ’55.

Harvey Neiman, MD, ’68, was elected chair of the American College of Radiology (ACR) Board of Chancellors at the association’s annual meeting in New York last September..

Janette Sherman, MD, ’64, has published a second book, Life’s Delicate Balance: A Guide to Causes and Prevention of Breast Cancer. Written for the general reader, the book examines the association between environmental pollution and breast cancer and reflects Dr. Sherman’s career-long focus on preventing illness.

The School of Medicine has received a $1.5 million gift for an endowed chair in the Department of Urology. Named The J. Edson Pontes, MD, Endowed Chair in Andrology, the endowment will support research in male diseases, especially the reproductive organs. Dr. Chirpriya Dhabuwala, associated with the School of Medicine for nearly 25 years, will be the first to hold the Pontes chair.

Members of the Detroit area’s Arab and Chaldean-American community gathered to award scholarship recipients from the ibn Sina Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Want to know what your classmates and colleagues are up to? Check here.

Briefs: Estate planning issues; Major donors recognized; Reception energizes Telefund volunteers

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Alum Notes
Winter 2001

Editor/Writer
Amy DiCresce
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