October 26, 2006
Health Sciences news briefs
Medical/Dental open enrollment continues through Nov. 30
The annual medical and dental open enrollment is Oct. 23 through Nov. 30, with changes taking effect on January 1, 2007. Details about open enrollment are available at both the following Web sites: Public Employees’ Benefits Board, http://www.pebb.hca.wa.gov/ and UW Benefits http://www.washington.edu/admin/hr/benefits/.
Questions or concerns can be addressed to UW Benefits at benefits@u.washington.edu.
Pilot and Feasibility Award Program for 2007
The UW General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) has announced its Pilot and Feasibility Award Program for 2007. Two awards of $25,000 each will be given to support projects utilizing GCRC resources by new adult and pediatric clinical investigators. An additional $25,000 award will be given to either a new or established investigator for a project utilizing the GCRC Gene and Cell Therapy Laboratory. For more information, visit the GCRC Web site at www.crc.washington.edu. Applications must be received by Nov. 30.
Higano receives Department of Defense grant for prostate research
Dr. Celestia Higano, UW associate professor of medicine and urology, is principal investigator of a new Prostate Cancer Research Program Clinical Consortium Award from the Department of Defense. Co-PIs are Drs. Bruce Montgomery, Peter Nelson, and Evan Yu, all of Medical Oncology. With this grant UW joins the Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Consortium, a national clinical research group that aims to streamline implementation of multi-institutional phase I and II trials of novel agents for treating prostate cancer. There are nine other sites in the consortium, including Oregon Health and Science University. The UW grant provides approximately $900,000 over a two-year period, to begin next January. Higano is also an associate member of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in the Clinical Research Division. She directs the Genitourinary Oncology Clinical Research Group and investigates therapy for prostate cancer.
Heitkemper appointed to National Commission on Digestive Diseases
Dr. Margaret Heitkemper, professor and chair of biobehavioral nursing and health systems, and adjunct professor of medicine, was appointed to the National Commission on Digestive Diseases. The commission is charged with scientific oversight of NIH-funded research and development of a 10-year plan to address goals for research in digestive diseases, with recommendations to NIH and to Congress.
Vista Café now open in the Foege Building
There’s a new café on the UW campus. The Vista Café is now open in the William H. Foege Building on the corner of Pacific Street and 15th Ave. The café serves espresso, pastries, soup and sandwiches, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
