Data from the study, the National Hispanic Leadership Initiative on Cancer: En Accion , were released in July. The survey, supported by the National Cancer Institute, involved seven cities in Texas, California, Florida and New York.
"The purpose of our research is to find out how cancer risks can be reduced in Hispanic communities," said the study's principal investigator, Amelie G. Ramirez, DrPH, associate professor of family practice and director of the South Texas Health Research Center. "Compared to non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics have lower rates of cancer screening and that needs to change," she said. "They have higher rates of smoking among men and they need to learn more about how to stop smoking.
"Compared to non-Hispanic whites, there are much lower rates of smoking among women, especially those who are closer to the Hispanic culture," Dr. Ramirez said. "Hispanics must protect those positive cultural features and defend against the marketing and use of tobacco products in their communities."
The survey involved more than 7,000 Hispanics in San Antonio, Laredo, Brownsville, San Francisco, San Diego, Miami and New York. National origins of the respondents included Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico and countries of the Caribbean and Central and South America.
Samples of the results include:
In most cities, more than half of the men 40 or older reported that they had received a prostate examn exam, but Laredo and Brownsville had much lower rates, 32 and 41 percent, respectively.
Smoking rates were higher among men. The portion of men who smoked varied from a high of 30 percent in San Antonio to a low of 17 percent in San Diego
Dr. Clark is professor of medicine and the Dan F. Parman Distinguished Chair in Medicine.
Dr. Clark comes from the University of Iowa in Iowa City where he was professor and associate chair of internal medicine, director of the division of infectious diseases, and director of the graduate training program in immunology.
He also served as staff physician and chief of the infectious diseases service at the Iowa City Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. In San Antonio, he will continue his VA affiliation as staff physician at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital.
"Dr. Clark's internationally recognized accomplishments as an investigator and educator and his experience in assisting in the administration of a distinguished department of medicine uniquely qualify him for his new role. No position in the Medical School is more influential in determining the institution's direction and national perception than the chair of medicine," said James J. Young, PhD, medical dean.
John P. Howe III, MD, president of the Health Science Center, said: "As health care delivery and health care education are examined closely in these changing times, Dr. Clark is an ideal leader for the dual activities in primary care and key specialties represented by our department of medicine."
A graduate of Syracuse University, Dr. Clark received his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and his postdoctoral training at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York, the University of Washington in Seattle and the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md.
His research interests include basic mechanisms of inflammation, particularly the antimicrobial systems of the polymorphonuclear leukocyte and genetic diseases of neutrophil dysfunction. His specialized clinical interests include infections in the immunocompromised host and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Fall 1994Dr. Forland received the Kathryn Dial Murray Gift of Life Award from the National Kidney Foundation of South Texas at a March banquet in San Antonio. More than 200 of his friends, colleagues and former students attended.
Foundation leaders cited Dr. Forland's roles as an educator and practitioner and his achievements in the treatment of kidney disorders. The award is named for Kathryn Dial Murray of San Antonio, a foundation director and longtime volunteer in the fight against kidney disease. She also was an initial recipient of the award.
Fall 1994Family and friends established the fund to honor Mrs. Glickman, who died in September 1993. One of her children, Randolph Glickman, PhD, is an associate professor of ophthalmology at the Health Science Center.
He said his mother was always interested in the vision research he conducted, and encouraged him in his efforts. Income from the endowment will provide support for promising research projects in the department of ophthalmology.
The first Glickman Award was presented to David Gritz, MD, an ophthalmology resident at the Health Science Center, for his research of innovative methods for diagnosis of corneal keratitis using an optical biopsy system. Dr. Gritz and his colleagues are examining a method that could be used in the eye clinic to identify rapidly and non-invasively the microorganisms responsible for corneal infections.
Randolph Glickman and his father, Dr. Stanley Glickman of Tucson, Ariz., established the memorial fund to commemorate Mrs. Glickman's life and the set of values she instilled in her family.
Fall 1994Testing a group of 40 female patients, researchers at the Health Science Center and in Japan have found evidence that it can.
In a clinical study of post-menopausal women with Alzheimer's at Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Geriatric Hospital, those treated with mild estrogen therapy showed improvement on standard psychometric tests and regained abilities including reading, involvement in daily activities and recall of daily events.
Estrogen is the female steroid hormone produced in the ovaries and circulated through a woman's bloodstream until she passes menopause. It is responsible for sexual maturity, including a woman's monthly reproductive cycle.
"Estrogen seems to be one of the essential substances for the maintenance of certain brain functions in women," said Nobuyoshi Hagino, MD, PhD, who led the study. "The functions located in the limbic system regulating memory, emotion, orientation in time and space, motivation and other cognitive functions seem to rely on estrogen."
Dr. Hagino is a professor of cellular and structural biology at the Health Science Center. He has studied the effect of estrogen on brain function for 20 years at the Health Science Center. He has worked with Japanese colleagues to conduct human trials of estrogen therapy for the past eight years.
Results of the Alzheimer's trial were reported at the recent Third International Conference on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, held in Chicago.
Fall 1994The council was established by the Legislature to coordinate, plan and implement a statewide health plan.
"These are challenging times for everyone concerned with the development of a statewide health care plan," Dr. Howe said. "But challenging times bring out the best in Texans, and I believe this will be no different. I am looking forward to our committee meeting and exceeding the expectations of Gov. Richards in this endeavor."
Legislation calls for the state's health plan to identify major statewide health concerns and propose strategies for the correction of major deficiencies in the service delivery system.
Fall 1994Nine other scientists from four nations also received awards, which were announced in March. Each award carries with it a $100,000 unrestricted prize.
Dr. Wen-Hwa Lee, a molecular biologist, is the director of the Institute of Biotechnology and occupies the Alice P. McDermott Distinguished University Chair in Molecular Medicine. Dr. Eva Lee, a cell biologist, is an associate professor at the Institute of Biotechnology.
"They have made outstanding research contributions in furthering our understanding of the molecular biology of the eye," said Dr. Joram Piatigorsky, a member of the Alcon institute's scientific advisory committee. He is chief of the National Eye Institute's laboratory of molecular developmental biology.
The Lees are pursuing pioneering research into retinoblastoma, a childhood eye cancer. He led a team of researchers at the University of California at San Diego who in 1987 became the first to isolate a human cancer gene. The Lees joined the Health Science Center faculty in 1990.
"The research activities of the Lees have been both vigorous and exemplary since they first arrived at the Institute of Biotechnology. This honor is yet another in a series of acknowledgments by their peers that the Lees are world- class scientists. We are very proud of them," said John P. Howe III, MD, president of the Health Science Center.
Fall 1994Dr. Masters, the Robert A. Welch Professor of Chemistry, was one of three delegates selected by the National Academy of Sciences to attend the 15th general assembly of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The conference was held in New Delhi.
The convocation of scientists gathers every three years. It has met since the '50s to promote the exchange of information in biochemistry and molecular biology.
Dr. Masters also lectured about her research involving an enzyme called nitric oxide synthase and its biological and biochemical actions in the brain. The enzyme produces nitric oxide, a molecule that handles neurotransmission signals in the brain.
"This is an important area of study because of all the implications associated with this very small gaseous molecule that seems to be doing so many things," Dr. Masters said. Researchers feel nitric oxide has an important role in cellular activities that combat infections and regulate blood pressure and flow. In 1992, Dr. Masters received the Excellence in Science Award from the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.
Fall 1994"Pending final approval by The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Health Science Center will offer new bachelor of science degrees in dental hygiene and dental laboratory sciences, and a new master of science in dental hygiene," James G. Van Straten, PhD, dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences, said.
The baccalaureate dental hygiene program could begin accepting 12 students per year by next fall. The baccalaureate dental laboratory sciences program could begin accepting 12 students per year as early as 1996.
The master's program in dental hygiene, the first in Texas, could begin accepting four students per year into the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in 1996.
"Existing two-year certificate programs in dental hygiene and dental laboratory technology will continue to accept students," Dr. Van Straten said.
The new baccalaureate programs are designed to help meet the state's need for qualified educators and managers in the field.
The master's degree to be given in dental hygiene is designed for holders of a bachelor's degree in the field to become professional academicians with advanced clinical skills, basic science knowledge in support of teaching and research, experience in contemporary educational methodologies and practice, and the background and ability to conduct scientific research.
Fall 1994
School of Nursing expansion gets started
The School of Nursing is expanding -- both in terms of academic
offerings and mortar and bricks. The Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board, acting in July, approved expansion of the school
as well as adding three new academic departments.
Expansion and renovation will add 26,000 square feet to the school's existing 76,000 square feet. The project was scheduled to begin by December and be completed next year.
The Coordinating Board also endorsed creation of the departments of acute care nursing, chronic care nursing and family care nursing.
"This department structure will align us with the whole Health Science Center," said Patty L. Hawken, PhD, dean of nursing. "We've always had program coordinators instead of department chairs.
"More importantly, this gives faculty members access to someone on a department chair level, and will create even more camaraderie among nursing faculty with similar interests."
Some $6.5 million is scheduled for expansion. Constructed in 1974, the building was designed to accommodate 500 students, 70 faculty members and 20 staff members. Today, the school enrolls about 730 students and employs 90 faculty and 40 staff.
"To continue meeting the growing needs of area patients, hospitals and health professionals, the School of Nursing must expand to accommodate present classes, a growing research program and a new doctoral program," Dr. Hawken said.
"Each semester, we are forced to turn away more than 300 qualified applicants for admission. This approved expansion will help us to open our doors to some of these students," she said.
The school expects to raise its enrollment to 800 students once the work is complete.
Fall 1994
School of Nursing celebrates 25th anniversary
The School of Nursing, which opened in 1969 with four students and
four faculty members, has grown to become the largest nursing school
in The University of Texas System.
To celebrate the school's 25th anniversary in May, several dignitaries visited for a gala celebration on campus. Guests included Luci Baines Johnson, daughter of the late President Lyndon Johnson; Dr. Frank Harrison, first president of the Health Science Center; Brig. Gen. Sue E. Turner, Air Force director of nursing services; and Dorothy Corona, interim dean of the School of Nursing in 1973 and 1974.
Every day at the School of Nursing and its related clinical sites, more than 700 students learn their chosen profession, guided by the school's faculty and faculty associates. In its 25 years, the school has graduated more than 4,600 students.
Current student enrollment includes 505 undergraduate students, 199 master's students and 25 doctoral students.
Fall 1994
Dr. and Mrs. Julio C. Palmaz are contributing $120,000 over the next
two years to establish the Stewart R. Reuter, MD, Professorship in
Radiology. The University of Texas System Board of Regents accepted
the donation and pledge in June.
Dr. Palmaz, professor of radiology, said he and his wife made the
donation as a way of thanking Dr. Reuter, chairman of the radiology
department, for his support over the years.
Born in Argentina, Dr. Palmaz has been at the Health Science Center
since 1983. "Combining the idea of making a donation to the
university and creating a professorship honoring Dr. Reuter was very
meaningful to me," said Dr. Palmaz. "He's been my mentor, my role
model and a terrific leader for the department. I came to the Health
Science Center because of Dr. Reuter. I have spent the most
significant part of my career here and I feel at home." "I am
extremely honored to have a professorship named in my honor,
particularly one donated by a friend and colleague," said Dr.
Reuter. Dr. Palmaz invented two stents, devices used to increase
blood flow in clogged blood vessels. They are widely used around the
world.
John P. Howe III, MD, president of the Health Science Center, said,
"What a marvelous expression of appreciation for a treasured
colleague. This endowed professorship will provide important new
research opportunities for our radiology department and its very
talented leader."
Gift help creates professorship in radiology
A Medical School faculty member and his wife have established a
professorship in radiology at the Health Science Center to honor a
friend and colleague.
Respiratory care chairman helps launch program
David C. Shelledy, PhD, RRT, has been named chairman of the new
respiratory care department at the Health Science Center.
Respiratory care is the newest specialty offered by the School of
Allied Health Sciences.
Dr. Shelledy previously was director of clinical education for the respiratory therapist program at Athens Tech in Athens, Ga. He has been acting chair and director of clinical education of the Georgia State University Department of Cardiopulmonary Care Sciences in Atlanta and also chaired the respiratory therapy program at St. Petersburg Junior College in Florida. He earned his PhD in education at Georgia State.
Classes for the new respiratory care program at the Health Science Center began in August. The program accepts students who have completed two years of college-level work. They will spend their final two years leading to the bachelor of science degree in classrooms and completing about 1,000 hours of hospital training.
Dr. Shelledy said respiratory therapists most often care for patients with cardiopulmonary problems. They work in a variety of hospital settings including intensive care units and neonatal units and also may visit private homes and extended care facilities.
"The opportunity to put together a new program doesn't come along very often," Dr. Shelledy said. "We hope the program will be a premier baccalaureate program and will prepare students to provide leadership in the field."
Fall 1994
Researchers at the Health Science Center hope to develop a harmless
bacterium capable of living in the mouth and replacing the ones that
cause tooth decay.
Principal investigator Donald LeBlanc, PhD, favors this approach
over that of a vaccine or any attempt at total eradication of the
offending bacteria. "We don't know enough about these bugs yet," he
said. "There are still too many unknown variables for us to be close
to a vaccine, and we don't want to do away with the bug entirely,
because we don't know what worse microorganisms it might be
protecting us against."
Dr. LeBlanc, a professor of microbiology, is the principal
investigator for a five-year, $1.1 million grant from the National
Institute of Dental Research.
More than $20 billion a year is spent on the treatment of tooth
decay and despite modern preventive measures such as fluoridation,
the disease isn't disappearing, Dr. LeBlanc said. He said oral
streptococci also cause other problems if they enter the
bloodstream, such as the heart problem endocarditis and certain
brain and soft tissue abscesses.
Dr. LeBlanc and fellow researchers are using dairy streps, harmless
cousins of the decay-causing strains, to establish model systems to
help them isolate the genes that allow the bacteria to cause
disease. They are using techniques familiar to molecular biologists,
plus new techniques and molecular tools of their own invention.
The researchers are cloning copies of various genes from the strep
bacteria and making new shuttle vectors to move them in and out of
different strains of bacteria as they try to learn how the genes
function in the disease process.
"If we can identify one or two mechanisms related to, say, acid
production, and others associated with survival, we might be able to
construct a harmless strain of strep that can survive in the mouth
and compete with, or fight off, the bad strep," Dr. LeBlanc said.
The Warm Springs Rehabilitation Foundation announced its gift of
$250,000 for the professorship in June.
"The board of directors of the Warm Springs Foundation established
the endowment to honor Dr. Grant's 20 years of dedicated service on
the board," said Kay Peck, foundation president and chief executive
officer. "This professorship is also our way of showing our
commitment to support graduate medical education in the field of
physical medicine and rehabilitation."
From 1967 to 1989, Dr. Grant headed the department of physical
medicine and rehabilitation, now named rehabilitation medicine.
After his retirement, the Academy of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation recognized his pioneering contributions to the field
with the Frank H. Krusen Award.
"This endowment provides a lasting tribute to both Dr. Grant and
Warm Springs," said John P. Howe III, MD, president of the Health
Science Center. "We are grateful to the Warm Springs Foundation
board of directors for honoring their longtime colleague in such a
meaningful manner."
Dr. Grant trained some 65 residents, including physicians who have
written textbook chapters and edited noted journals in
rehabilitation medicine. He has been active in many professional
organizations, including the American Board of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation, in which he is a diplomat.
The Warm Springs Foundation, with offices in San Antonio and
Gonzales, was established in 1937 to help treat children with polio.
After building its first hospital near Gonzales in 1941, the non-
profit system has grown to include hospitals in San Antonio and
Corpus Christi.
Fighting tooth decay with germs
As they battle the most common disease in the world, scientists hope
to enlist the help of new bacteria they will design in the lab.
Foundation honors rehabilitation medicine professor
Arthur E. Grant, MD, professor and chairman emeritus of the
department of rehabilitation medicine, now is honored with a
professorship in his name.
Notables
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