Rochester Academy of Medicine
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Rochester Academy of Medicine
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NEWS AND EVENTS
Type II Diabetes, Cause and Effects Topic of Luncheon Meeting Robert E. Heinig, M.D., Chief of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Rochester General Hospital and Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical School, gave a talk entitled Type II Diabetes Mellitus: An old concept now a new modern therapy. The talk was given at the July luncheon of the Life Members/Retired Physicians group. Dr. Heinig outlined, in a talk spiced with anecdotes and personal clinical experiences, the current concepts regarding the control of blood sugar by insulin, glucogon and GLP-1 and the implications for treatments. He further described how abnormalities in the complex interrelations of the hormones may be foreshadowed by changes in blood triglycerides resulting in a "pre-diabetic" state, often in an apparently healthy individual. Dr. Heinig said that the modern concepts founded on lab studies and clinical research had been earlier predicted by Charles B.F. Gibbs, M.D., a Rochester physician, based solely on his clinical observations and limited lab data. Dr. Heinig went on to say that Dr. Gibbs freely shared his observations with researchers around the world and was never given proper credit for his brilliant insights.
********** Special Presentation To Joel Seligman
Hechmat Tabechian, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Director of the Academy of Medicine, presented the framed honorary membership certificate to University of Rochester President, Joel Seligman at his office at the University of Rochester. The honorary membership had been announced earlier at the Annual Meeting of The Academy. The following announcement came from the University of Rochester: University of Rochester President Joel Seligman has been named one of five recipients of the Award of Merit of the Rochester Academy of Medicine, and he also has been named the first Honorary Member in the Academy's 108-year history. Academy of Medicine Executive Director Dr. Hechmat Tabechian, M.D., Ph.D., said that the organization's bylaws have always allowed the election of honorary members, but the honor was being bestowed this year for the first time ever. "I have been in Rochester for a half century and have seen wonderful connections between the University of Rochester and its community in that time," Tabechian said. "But those bonds have become so much stronger in the last three years, and we wanted to celebrate that progress with this distinction for President Seligman." The Merit Awards are given each year to three to five individuals "in recognition of outstanding service to the medical profession or to the community." The other four recipients of the Merit Award for 2008 are: Richard E. Fullerton, M.D.; Webster H. Pilcher; M.D., and Ronald Rabinowitz, M.D., all of the University of Rochester; and Hobart A. Lerner, M.D., of Rochester. In addition, the University of Rochester's Arthur J. Moss, M.D., received the Academy's Albert David Kaiser Medal. Tabechian also noted that since the Academy was established in 1900, hundreds of physicians have received the Merit Award for their contributions to the medical profession. But only 15 non-physicians have received it for their contributions to the community. In addition to Seligman, some of those non-physicians honored for community service in recent years include philanthropist Catherine Carlson, Paychex CEO B. Thomas Golisano, former Rochester Mayor William Johnson, and Congresswoman Louise Slaughter. ********** Deputy Police Chief Gives Talk Deputy Chief Tony Perez, Deputy Chief of Operations of the Rochester City Police Department, gave a presentation at the Life Members/Retired Physician’s Luncheon at the Academy on June 10. Deputy Chief Perez gave an interesting overview of operations at the Department, including a look at how technology has improved the Department’s ability to respond rapidly to crimes in an effort to keep the crimes from escalating. In addition, the Department employs two analysts to pro-actively track geographic patterns of crime. The Department then uses this information to preemptively deploy resources in hopes of forestalling serious events, especially violent crimes. Deputy Chief Perez also briefly reviewed many programs that have been tried, with varying degrees of success. These programs attempt to reduce crime by getting at some of the core problems such as truancy, multiple incarcerations, gangs, lack of responsible parents or guardians, bad role models, availability of advanced criminal weapons and others. The programs are under constant review by the Department’s analysts to gauge their effect, and many have been dropped as being ineffective, or, in one case actually creating a worse situation. Deputy Chief Perez also described several programs that have been implemented and found to be effective. The topics of crime and violence in Rochester were the subjects of many questions from the audience.
********** Arts & Cultural Council Topic of Talk Sarah E. Lentini, president and CEO of the Arts & Cultural Council of Greater Rochester, gave a presentation at the Life Members/Retired Physician’s luncheon on May 20 at the Academy. Ms. Lentini described the organization and its activities in the areas of arts, culture and education. The Arts & Cultural Council of Greater Rochester serves as an umbrella organization for both individuals and other organizations. Ms. Lentini further outlined the nature of her organization and its role in the community and the roles it has played in recent events--some controversial--such as the RenCenter and public art at the Rochester International Airport. These topics generated many questions from the audience. Ms. Lentini reported the results of a study her organization underwrote assessing the economic impact of arts and culture in our community. The study emphasized the economic importance ,amounting to nearly $200 million, of art in the ten county area the Council covers. In addition, the Arts & Cultural Council of Greater Rochester offers grants to individuals and member organizations for various projects, offers pro-bono legal services for member organizations and maintains an extensive Arts & Cultural on-line calendar.
********** 2008 Annual Meeting The 108th Annual Meeting of the Rochester Academy of Medicine was held May 13, 2008 in the auditorium of the Academy of Medicine. Following the out-going president’s report by John S. McIntyre, M.D., a brief introduction to the Award ceremonies was given by Hechmat Tabechian, M.D., Ph.D. The first ever Rochester Academy of Medicine Community Award of Merit was presented to Joel Seligman, President, University of Rochester. Joshua Hollander, M.D. then presided over the Honorary Award presentations. Medical Awards of Merit were presented to Richard E. Fullerton, M.D., Hobart A. Lerner, M.D., Webster H. Pilcher, M.D., Ronald Rabinowitz, M.D. Prize Awards were announced by Richard Satran, M.D.: Academy of Medicine Library Award: Eric A. Singer, M.D., M.A. Academy of Medicine Nursing Award: Maureen Metzger
Academy of Medicine Geriatrics Award in
Honor of Carter and T. Franklin Williams:
Academy of Medicine Internal Medicine
Award in Honor of Milton N. Lauria, M.D. and Kluge Trauma and Emergency Medical Services Award: Rollin J. Fairbanks, M.D., M.S., EMT-P Academy of Medicine High School Health Science Award: Michael Craig The Albert David Kaiser Medal was presented to Arthur J. Moss, M.D. following a citation given by Robert Joynt, M.D. outlining the many accomplishments of Dr. Moss The ceremonies ended with the transfer of the Gold-Headed Cane from the out-going president to the new president of the Academy of Medicine, Donald Y. Goldman, M.D. ********** Pulsifer Lecture Set The annual Pulsifer Lecture will be given by Richard G. Farmer, M.D. Monday, June 2, 2008 at the Rochester Academy of Medicine. The title of the talk will be Inside the Russian Health Care System -- Lessons for Disease Management. For additional information call the Academy office 585-271-1313. ********** Lyon Daughters Lecturer
Lyon Daughters Lecturer Discusses Alzheimer’s Disease Research Berislav V. Zlokovic, M.D., Ph.D. was the guest speaker at the 17th Annual Lyon Daughters Lecture on April 10, 2008 at the Academy. The title of his talk was Alzheimer’s Disease: The Crux of Growing Old, Inevitable or Preventable? Hechmat Tabechian, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Director of the Rochester Academy of Medicine, welcomed the audience and gave a brief history of the Academy. He then introduced Allis Van Voorhis D’Amanda, a Lyon granddaughter, who outlined the relationship of the Academy to the Lyon family. D’Amanda then introduced Rufino Pabico, M.D. who proceeded with an introduction of the featured speaker. Dr. Zlokovic, who is Dean’s Professor and Professor of Neurosurgery & Neurology; Director, Center for Neurodegenerative and Vascular Brain Disorders; Director, Frank P. Smith Laboratories for Neuroscience and Neurosurgical Research and Associate Chairman for Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, talked about how he first became interested in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, and he put into perspective the growing problem of Alzheimer’s related to our aging population and how his research will potentially impact this problem. Dr. Zlokovic’s research focuses on diseases of the vascular supply of the brain and how the mechanisms at the blood vessel cell junctions (blood-brain barrier) allow toxins such as amyloid to build up in the brain. Some of these effects are mediated by proteins under genetic control. In some instances, replacing defective genes results in improvement or cure of a similar disease seen in laboratory mice. Additional factors in the development of Alzheimer’s Disease involve vascular induced mini and micro infarcts. Several questions followed such as: "When will drug or genetic replacement human studies begin?" His answer was " . . . within a 7 to 20 year time frame;" ". . . since the Lyon Daughters Lecture addresses bioethical issues, what are the issues surrounding a growing population of Alzheimer’s patients?" Dr. Zlokovic said he could not discuss that at this time. At the reception following the lecture, Dr. Zlokovic, who studied as an operatic tenor before entering medicine, performed a short selection of songs .
********** Implantable Defibrillators Topic of Luncheon Talk Arthur J. Moss, M.D., Professor of Medicine (Cardiology), and Director of the Heart Research Follow-up Program at the University of Rochester Medical Center, gave a talk at the March Life Members/Retired Physician lecture at the Academy. The talk was titled Use of Implantable Defibrillator Over 70. Dr. Moss who was part of the team that performed the second implanted cardiac pacemaker in the United States (1961) discussed the results of his cardiac follow-up study, which included the use of implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICD). So far the study’s results show that: implantable cardiac defibrillators save lives by reducing sudden cardiac death in high risk coronary patients suffering from left ventricular disease; ICDs were consistently effective in all sub-groups, with greater effect shown in patients over age 65; heart failure plays an important role in the clinical course of ICD patients; life-prolonging ICD therapy appears to transform a sudden cardiac death risk into a heart failure death risk. Several pointed questions followed the talk.
********** Social hour to be held at the Academy The Academy will host a free Social Hour on Wednesday, April 9, 2008, 5:30 p.m. at the Academy for the purpose of joining, meeting and greeting fellow members in good conversation and lively discussions with no agenda. Refreshment and drink will be provided. RSVP by April 7, 2008.
********** Life Members/Retired Physician Luncheon Lecture On Memory
William Hall, M.D. Professor of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, presented a talk entitled Where Did I Put My Keys? to the Life Members/Retired Physicians group on March 11 at the Academy. Dr. Hall explained the differences between "normal" memory loss due to aging and clinical Alzheimer’s Disease. He pointed out that Alzheimer’s will interfere with executive functions of a daily routine, such as getting dressed, feeding oneself, visual perception and the like, whereas "normal" aging memory loss does not. He indicated several other differentiating findings. In dealing with "normal" memory loss, Dr. Hall said "Successful Aging can improve your memory and mental health in general by observing three simple rules: 1) avoid physical illness 2) stay engaged with life 3) ongoing exercise - physical and mental." "Games and dancing are great ways to accomplish these among other activities," he said.
********** Salon Concert Series Continues The Salon Concert series continued its "Whirlwind Tour of Piano Trios" featuring trios from two Czechoslovakian composers, Dvorak and Smetana, on Sunday, February 17. During the Trio by Smetana, pianist Rebecca Penneys worked in a surprise "Happy Birthday" melody to honor Stefan Reuss’ birthday, bringing a smile by Reuss and giggles from the audience. Reuss later, at the Tea Reception, was presented with a birthday cake, complete with candle.
********** 2008 Prize Award Contest Information - Click here ********** Holidays Are Ushered In At The Academy Home The annual Holiday Party and Photo Contest, held December 9, 2007, marked the beginning of the Holiday season for the Rochester Academy of Medicine. A festive atmosphere filled the Academy which was resplendent with decorations including a 16 foot lighted tree filled with Rosemary Disney designed hand-made ornaments. Light refreshments and food crowned the event complete with Executive Director Heschmat Tabechian’s "famous" meatballs.
Other winners were: Creatures, 1st place Donald Raines "Are you my mother?"; 2nd place Robert L. Caldwell picture of leopard in a tree; Nature, 1st place Mark C. Poe Early Morning, 2nd place Ruth I. Morton "Bird's Eye View of Alaska #3"; People/Places:1st place Mark C. Poe "Gregory & Ryan," 2nd place John Olson "Corinth Canal."
********** Seriously Ill Patient’s Wishes For Treatment Discussed Patricia A. Bomba, M.D., Vice-President and Medical Director, Geriatrics, for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, presented the features of Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) at the Life Members/Retired Physicians Luncheon on November 13, 2007 at the Academy. MOLST is designed for seriously ill patients who are still capable of informed decision making, and MOLST forms are created in conjunction with the patient and his or her health care providers. The final document is designed to be detailed, clear and unambiguous as it expresses the patients’ wishes. It is printed on a standardized distinctive pink form and is kept with the patient at all times in clear view of everyone, especially EMT personnel who may be called on for aide. MOLST is already in use in several states and is expected to gain further approval nationwide. MOLST does not replace Health Care Proxies or Living Wills but is a supplement that more clearly focuses the patient’s wishes at this most sensitive time. Further information is available from Dr. Bomba at Excellus (585) 238-4514.
********** Frank Browning, M.D. Retires As Luncheon Chairman The November 13 Life Members/Retired Physicians Luncheon at the Academy was not only the final meeting of the season but also marked the retirement of Frank Browning, M.D. from Chairmanship of the committee that for many years has provided interesting and informative presentations for the Life Members/Retired Physicians Luncheons. Programs covered the gamut from nanotechnology to sports broadcasting in Rochester and drew warm and appreciative audiences. A warm and sustained applause greeted this announcement, and our hats off and a deep bow to Dr. Browning for a job so very well done. ********** Attendees Introduced To Nanotechnology Those who attended the Retired MD/Life Physician’s luncheon October 9 where treated to an exciting overview of the field of Biomedical Nanotechnology by Benjamin J. Miller, PhD., Associate Professor, Dermatology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biomedical Engineering at the University of Rochester and Co-Chair, University of Rochester Medical Center Initiative in Biomedical Nanotechnology. Dr. Miller discussed the interesting and unexpected properties of particles in sizes ranging from smaller than a cell to larger than a molecule and how these particles can be applied in medicine to imaging, sensing and drug delivery. As an example, cadmium selenite particles will glow blue, green, yellow or red when exposed to light, depending on the particle size range. This can be applied to imaging by tagging the appropriate-sized particle with an antibody such as a cancer antibody and watching where the glowing particles accumulate in the body. Several other fascinating and potentially useful uses of these and other nano-particles were explained. Dr. Miller also described the new URMC Initiative in Biomedical Nanotechnology and how it pulls together many researchers in various disciplines at the University of Rochester for a cross-fertilization of ideas and approaches.
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New Breast Examination Techniques Discussed Wende Logan Young, M.D., Clinical Professor, Diagnostic Radiology, University of Rochester Medical Center and Founder and Director of the Elizabeth Wende Breast Clinic, was the featured speaker at the Life Members/Retired Physicians Luncheon on September 11, 2007 at the Academy of Medicine. Her topic, What’s The Latest In New and Emerging Modalities For Breast Examinations?," briefly covered the historical background of breast cancer detection and treatment. Dr. Young then focused on the current trends in mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI and the new fan-beam CT and mammographic tomography techniques. She reported on her studies showing the importance of having radiologists double read mammograms, in addition to using Computer Aided Diagnosis, to maximize detection of early cancers. Dr. Young also touched on the difficulty in encouraging radiologists to become specialized in mammography and related techniques and indicated that fear of lawsuits is one of the reasons.
********** Salon Concert 2007-2008 Season Opens The Rochester Academy of Medicine began its 2007-8 Salon Concert series on Sunday, September 9, with a performance of piano trios featuring Austrian composers. Rebecca Penneys, piano, Mikhail Kopelman, violin and Arie Lipsky, cello, performed the piano trio in C Major by Mozart and the piano trio in E-flat Major by Schubert to an appreciative audience. The series will continue its "Whirlwind Tour of Piano Trios" with musical trips to France on November 4, 2007, featuring music of Debussy and Saint-Saens; Czech Republic, February 17, 2008, featuring music of Martinu and Dvorak; Russia, February 24, 2008, featuring music of Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky; and Germany, April 27, 2008, featuring music of Mendelssohn. For tickets reservations or further information, call the Academy office (585) 271-1313.
********** Archive of Past News and Activities Web site contents copyright Rochester Academy of Medicine 2008 |
