Dr. Weiss also serves as chief of medical service at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System, Audie L. Murphy Division. Listed in Best Doctors in America, Dr. Weiss is an award-winning cancer researcher who is internationally known for his investigative work and clinical trials on new anti-cancer agents. He has published more than 300 research articles, abstracts and other scholarly works.

Dr. Weiss joined the faculty at the Health Science Center in 1982. A graduate of the St. Louis University School of Medicine, Dr. Weiss was intern, resident and subsequently chief medical resident at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. Weiss was also clinical fellow in medical oncology at the prestigious Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard Medical School in Boston. He is the recipient of a Clinical Oncology Career Development Award from the American Cancer Society and is board-certified in both internal medicine and medical oncology.

Dr. Weiss also serves as associate director of clinical research at the San Antonio Cancer Institute, a partnership between the Health Science Center and the Cancer Therapy & Research Center (CTRC) and one of only two National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in
the state.

"We are very pleased with this outstanding appointment," said Dr. James J. Young, dean of the Medical School. "Dr. Weiss is an outstanding researcher with an international reputation. His extensive clinical experience and research expertise will allow him to provide outstanding leadership to the department, to the Medical School, to the state, and most importantly, to the people who suffer from this disease."

As principal investigator for the Southwest Oncology Group, Dr. Weiss has maintained the highest level of performance of all institutional participants.

Dr. Charles A. Coltman, Jr., director of the San Antonio Cancer Institute and CEO of the Cancer Therapy & Research Center, said that Dr. Weiss's appointment is a much deserved recognition of one of the finest oncologists in the nation.

"Dr. Weiss has played a key role in the use of biologicals in the treatment of cancer. He was one of six investigators of interleukin-2 and LAK (lymphokine/activated killer) cells supported by the National Cancer Institute. He has been instrumental in the national Cytokine Working Group. This is a red-letter day for both the CTRC and the Health Science Center," Dr. Coltman said.

One of Dr. Weiss's mentors and colleagues, Dr. Daniel Von Hoff, a renowned oncologist who heads the Institute for Drug Development, also praised Dr. Weiss.

"Dr. Weiss is one of the finest physicians I have ever known. He is a doctor's doctor. Dr. Weiss provides compassionate care for patients and their families with great wisdom.

"Dr. Weiss has been responsible for moving the field of biologic therapy (e.g., interferon, interleukin-2) forward in a very significant way. His work has resulted in significant improvements in survival for patients with kidney cancer."

Distinguished oncology researcher Dr. Robert J. Mayer, vice chair for education, Department of Adult Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, said the Health Science Center has made a wise choice in appointing Dr. Weiss to head the Division of Medical Oncology.

"Since his fellowship days at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Dr. Weiss has epitomized compassionate patient care, a scholarly approach to clinical practice, and a sensitive manner with patients and peers. He is a credit to your faculty," said Dr. Mayer, professor of medicine, Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Scott M. Lippman, chairman of the Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, said: "It has been my great pleasure and honor to know and collaborate for many years with Dr. Geoffrey Weiss, who is an out-standing medical oncologist. I'm very pleased for Dr. Weiss and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. One of the nation's leading cancer-research scientists will head the Division of Medical Oncology at one of the nation's top medical research centers. This is as it should be."

The Medical Oncology Division is part of the Department of Medicine. Its work includes research, patient care and physician education.

Among Dr. Weiss's responsibilities is the building of a strong multi-disciplinary cancer research and treatment program responsive to the needs of the San Antonio community, the state and the nation.

Dr. Howe said that Dr. Weiss's appointment would usher in a new era of progress in cancer research. "His outstanding credentials are a perfect match for the other outstanding oncologists at the Health Science Center and the San Antonio Cancer Institute," Dr. Howe said. "This community has made a significant impact on both cancer research and patient care, and Dr. Weiss will help us continue that upward trajectory. I couldn't be more pleased."

63% head for primary care residencies

125 HSC medical students receive their first choices
on "Match Day"; 93 will train in state of Texas

As the event dawned this year, 188 graduating medical students participated, with 182 receiving residency destinations on the spot. Five other students received a match within the week.

Sixty-three percent of students matched will be going to primary care residencies, up from last year's 58 percent. The increase in those seeking a primary care position goes a long way to fulfilling the Health Science Center's goal of putting more primary care physicians into South Texas. Medical schools had been challenged in the past to send at least half of their graduates to primary care residencies. There have also been efforts to graduate primary care physicians into medically underserved areas, including South Texas.

Family practice specialties were the most popular residency choices, with 45 seniors heading that route for postgraduate work and 39 Match Day participants opting for internal medicine specialties, followed by 27 graduates receiving residencies in pediatrics.

This year 125 of the students participating in Match Day got their first choice of residency locations and 20 received their second selection. Ninety-three seniors will remain in Texas for training, including 28 at University Hospital, which is one of the Health Science Center's teaching facilities.

According to data from the National Resident Matching Program, more than 13,000 U.S. medical school seniors participated in the matching program for first-year residency positions, with 57 percent matching to their first choice.

While the Health Science Center saw the number of students with residencies in family practice and internal medicine increase this year, the national level saw a decrease in the amount of individuals entering into residencies for those two specialties.

Graduates entering pediatrics saw a jump on the national level, with nearly 13 percent of match program participants going into the field.

The National Resident Matching Program reported that this year's Match Day results were offered for the first time on the World Wide Web. Even though the process has gone online, many schools, including the Health Science Center, continued the traditional Match Day ceremony, complete with envelopes, smiles and group hugs.

The Media Report

Stroke drug, protein folding among many items in the spotlight

National & International

State
The Associated Press produced a story on requests from physicians to regulate the dietary supplement ingredient ephedrine. Dr. Donald Gordon, emergency medical technology, was interviewed for the article, which ran in various state papers, including the Brownsville Herald, the San Marcos Daily Record, the Bryan-College Station Eagle, the Galveston County Daily News, the McAllen Monitor and the Clute Brazosport Facts.

An article in the Hondo Anvil Herald featured information on the summer biomedical camp at the Health Science Center June 6-12 for juniors in high school who are interested in health careers.

The Dallas Morning News ran a story on a national conference on mental health care services for Latino children. Dr. Robert Jimenez, psychiatry, was among those mentioned as speakers for the event. Jimenez discussed "Folk Medicine, Spirituality and the Health of Hispanic Children."

Dr. Daniel Von Hoff, medicine, was featured in the Laredo Morning Times for his lecture on "Care for the Patient with Cancer: Progress and Prevention." Von Hoff's discussion was part of a lecture series at Texas A&M International University.

The McAllen Monitor carried an article on the use of technology in cooperative education programs between University of Texas institutions. The Health Science Center was featured for its occupational therapy program partnership with The University of Texas Pan American.

Vicky Jean Alexander was listed in an article in the Corpus Christi Caller-Times on city council candidates. Alexander is a graduate of the Health Science Center's School of Nursing.

Dr. Delwin D. Wiemers' dental practice was featured in the Hondo Anvil Herald. Wiemers has a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Health Science Center.

San Antonio Express-News
Dr. John P. Howe, III, president, was quoted in a piece on San Antonio's efforts to obtain tobacco settlement funds for a children's cancer research center.

Dr. Nicolas Walsh, medical dean's office/rehabilitation medicine, was recognized in the business section on his recent appointment as executive associate dean.

Dr. Ruth Pakieser, nursing, was listed in a business column as a selectee of the 1999 class of Leadership Texas, a networking group for women.

Dr. Julio Palmaz, radiology, and Dr. Barbara Boyan, head of the Industry-University Cooperative Research Center, were quoted in an article on the marketing of medical research.

Dr. Michael Lichtenstein, geriatrics and gerontology, was interviewed for a story on geriatric clinics.

The Health Science Center was mentioned in an editorial piece on the importance of bioscience to San Antonio.

Dr. Cervando Martinez, psychiatry, was quoted in a column on the importance of support in the healing process.

The Health Science Center was featured in an article about the incoming president of The University of Texas at San Antonio.

Dr. Peter Fox, Research Imaging Center, was quoted in a story about memory loss. Dr. Gustavo Roman, assistant professor, was also mentioned in the article.

Roger McCarter, Aging Research and Education Center, was quoted in a story on the impact of an aging population.

An article on stress and its effects on the body featured Dr. Laura Collins, medicine/cardiology.

Dr. Geoffrey Weiss, medical oncology, was mentioned in a story regarding a nationwide cancer study.

Area Television
KENS, Channel 5, interviewed Drs. Holly Van Remmen and Jim Nelson, aging research, on the effects of vitamins A, C, and E on aging; and Tom Darm on a new advanced prothesis that has given amputees a new lease on life.

KENS also interviewed Dr. Barry Nall, biochemistry, on the subject of protein folding, and featured Dr. John Brown, community dentistry, for a story on fluoridating water. The station also spoke with Dr. Patrice Smith regarding measuring wounds and Dr. Martha Hanes, laboratory animal resources, on a senility drug for dogs.

Dr. David Sherman, neurologist, was interviewed by KENS and KABB, Channel 29, about a new drug helping stroke patients. The drug is derived from the venom of Malaysian vipers.

Dr. Enrique Gonzalez, genetics research fellow, was interviewed by KVDA, Channel 60, on the connection between the AIDS virus and chimpanzees.

KWEX, Channel 41, interviewed Dr. Bill Watson, medicine, on poisons in the home.

Area Radio
WOAI-AM, 1200, interviewed Dr. Shailendra Chopra, radiology, about radioactive seeds used in radiation therapy for cancer patients.

KTSA-AM, 550, interviewed Dr. Jonathon Riegler, medicine, regarding liver disease and football star Walter Payton's need for a liver transplant.

Area Media
San Antonio Medicine magazine featured an article by Dr. Rajam S. Ramamurthy, pediatrics, on partnerships in medical education. The magazine also included an article from Dr. Nanette Clare, medical dean's office, on "Medical EducationA Nationwide Perspective."

500 employees walk around track
for March of Dimes

Aldaco, who works in custodial services, raised more than $500 while making his rounds each morning to seek donations from HSC employees. "It gives me a sense of satisfaction," he said. "I have children of my own. I hope this will help other children."

For 16 years Health Science Center employees like Aldaco have been taking part in the HealthWalk, gathering donations for an organization that has made the health of children its number one priority.

This year's affair attracted about 500 employees. They walked the campus track in the name of thousands of children who will benefit from research and developments made by the March of Dimes. "I do it because I was blessed with a healthy baby," said Lucie Portela, public affairs specialist in university relations. "I also like to get involved at the Health Science Center because you get to meet so many people."

Kris Doyle, with graphics services, has been a part of the event every year. The mother of four said she wants to "ensure the health of children" by walking and raising as much money as she can for the cause.

The March of Dimes uses the donations to conduct research, develop polio vaccines and fund neonatal intensive care units, among other endeavors.

The South Central Texas Chapter of the March of Dimes has developed more localized programs for mothers and children, including prenatal health promotion services, a prenatal education program geared toward Hispanic women and their needs, a baby clothing donation service, and various health fairs for schools and other local organizations.

Tracey Priddy, a spokesperson for the local chapter of the March of Dimes, said participation from Health Science Center employees continues to increase each year, along with the amount of money raised at the institution.

"The Health Science Center always does a great job," Priddy said. "I am always amazed at the amount of dollars that are raised each year. The fact that these people are in the business of prevention makes it a natural fit."

Making the Rounds

• Faculty and staff from the Department of Emergency Medical Technology participated in San Antonio's CPR Day at the Central Park Mall. The event provided free CPR training to participants, with classes taught in both English and Spanish.

  The classes were 90 minutes and included training in rescue breathing and first aid for choking.

• The University Health System has established a new bloodless surgery program.

  Dr. Richard Spence, head of the Division of Surgical Education at the State University of New York, will explain "Surgical Blood Management" in a presentation from 7 to 8 a.m., Monday, April 26, in room 3.104A at the Health Science Center.

• The Institute of Texan Cultures is hosting an art exhibit of threatened and endangered Texas plant and animal species through June 27 in the lower gallery. The exhibit, "Vanishing Wildlife of Texas," is a collection of more than 50 paintings by artist Gamini Ratnavira. For more information, call the institute at 458-2300.

• Dr. James Nelson, associate professor of physiology, spoke at "Forever Young: Exploring the Potential for Extending Human Life Span," a symposium of the American Academy for the Advancement of Sciences. He was interviewed by members of the national and international press.

• The News wants to report on faculty, staff and student involvement in the NATO action in Kosovo. If you know of someone who has been called to serve, please call ext. 2570 or send an e-mail to <sansom@uthscsa.edu>.

Vision Expo Set

The event is sponsored by the San Antonio Low Vision Club, and will include a variety of low vision aids, such as magnifiers, closed-circuit televisions and computers, for visitors to test.

Representatives will be on hand to answer questions, and free vision screening will be offered.

The expo will be held at the Health Science Center main auditorium foyer from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Other groups involved in the event include the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind, the Texas Commission for the Blind and Prevent Blindness.

For more information, call 333-2233 or 344-1479.

TALAMS to meet
April 23-25 at HSC

The conference, held this year at the Health Science Center, starts Friday, April 23, and runs through Sunday, April 25. Saturday will feature lectures by several Health Science Center faculty members.

The $35 registration fee includes meals and a T-shirt. For more information, call Cyndi Velasquez, MS-II, 614-9998.

Burroughs Wellcome visiting professor

Harvard chairman to speak
on emerging bacterial pathogens

Dr. Mekalanos, also a professor of the Shipley Institute of Medicine, was awarded a prestigious Burroughs Wellcome Visiting Professorship, which is sponsored by the Burroughs Wellcome Foundation and the American Society of Microbiology. The award also includes $5,000.

Dr. Mekalanos is a pioneer in the study of microbial pathogenesis. His contributions have increased scientists' understanding of how disease is caused by a variety of important bacterial pathogens, including Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella typhimurium, Bordetella pertussis and Haemophilus influenzae.

His work has contributed to the identification and establishment of important concepts in the study of pathogenesis, such as the coordinate regulation of virulence factors.

His primary focus is the study of Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of the deadly human disease cholera. Dr. Mekalanos has applied this research and knowledge of cholera pathogenesis toward development of live oral cholera vaccines. To date, the deadly disease has no highly effective vaccine.

He has been acknowledged as a leader in the field of microbial pathogenesis. His numerous honors include a MERIT Award from the National Institutes for Health and induction into the National Academy of Sciences.

Beverly Robinson appointed
to Texas Board of Health

Dr. Robinson is professor in the Department of Chronic Nursing Care and associate dean for the graduate nursing program. She is the Lillie Cranz Cullen Professor in Nursing.

Dr. Janet D. Allan, dean of the School of Nursing, said Dr. Robinson brings to the board invaluable expertise in community health, community relations and issues relating to health disparities among various populations of Texas.

As part of the six-member board, Dr. Robinson is responsible for adopting goals and rules to govern the Department of Health, which is responsible for planning and delivering health services to the people of Texas.

Board members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate for overlapping six-year terms. Dr. Robinson's term expires in 2005.

At the Health Science Center, Dr. Robinson's research interests include home fever symptom management in people living with HIV/AIDS; cultural/ethnic aspects of symptom management in people with AIDS; and elder caregiver burden in AIDS care.

In Memoriam

Dr. Betty Johnson was a specialist
in family health, pediatric nursing

Dr. Johnson, a specialist in family health nursing and pediatric nursing, retired in the spring of 1997 after 19 years on the faculty. She won a 1995 President Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Her Bachelor of Science in Nursing was granted by Cornell University and her master's degree was bestowed by The University of North Carolina. Always enthusiastic about learning, even late in her career, she earned her Ph.D. from U. T. Austin in the '90s.

She joined the School of Nursing in 1978 after a number of years as a pediatric staff nurse and six years on the faculty at North Carolina. At the time of her teaching award, she was heading the graduate course Advanced Study in Nursing of Infants, Children and Their Families. She also served as a team teacher for the course Professional Nursing: Family Focus.

Though she was known as a standout in a school of excellent teachers, she was an able researcher as well. Dr. Johnson received the Texas League for Nursing's 1995 Nursing Research Award, and one of her later projects focused on stress, hardiness and social support in family caregivers who looked after chronically ill children.

Dr. Johnson resided in Boerne.

Lawrence wins Fiesta contest

Congratulations to trivia winner Dr. Leonard E. Lawrence, who was the first to send in all of the correct answers to the quiz. Dr. Lawrence is associate dean for student affairs in the Medical School and professor of psychiatry specializing in pediatrics and family practice. He will receive a Fiesta de Tejas commemorative pin for his quiz answers.

Fiesta Trivia Quiz Answers

1. Fiesta de Tejas was initially planned as a celebration for what historical event?
   • (b) The Texas Sesquicentennial

2. What year did Fiesta de Tejas become an official Fiesta event?
   • (c) 1987

3. What local high school benefits through scholarship money from Fiesta de Tejas?
   • (c) Health Careers High School

4. What group's cascarone booth dominated the best booth category throughout the 1990s?
   • (a) Student services

5. What unusual type of food has been served at Fiesta de Tejas?
   • (b) Emu burgers

6. What does Fiesta de Tejas mean in English?
   • (b) Texas party

7. Who co-sponsors the event?
   • (b) H-E-B

8. What popular radio station ran its "Winner's Wheel" promotion at Fiesta de Tejas?
   • (a) KKYX-AM
     

9. What is the admission fee for children 10 years old and under?
   • (a) Free

10. What shape is the H-E-B beverage booth?
    • (b) Soda can