New direction: Eduardo de Marchena, a nationally recognized cardiologist, will lead the new International Medicine Institute.

The new institute will be directed by Eduardo de Marchena, M.D., a nationally recognized cardiologist who is a professor of medicine and surgery at the Miller School of Medicine. In addition, de Marchena serves as director of interventional cardiology, director of the cardiovascular center, and chairman of the University of Miami Medical Group. He recently stepped down as interim chair of the Department of Medicine and was previously chief of the Division of Cardiology.

“This new institute fits with our overriding mission of being a global leader in cutting-edge clinical care, medical research, and education,” said Pascal J. Goldschmidt, M.D., senior vice president for medical affairs and dean of the Miller School of Medicine. “And there is no better person than Dr. de Marchena to oversee the entire institute as he has delivered countless medical education presentations and clinical symposiums in diverse areas of cardiology throughout the Americas.”

“While aiming for an expansive worldwide reach, the institute will be focusing on Latin America and the Caribbean because of Miami’s geographic location and cultural ties to the region,” said de Marchena.

The institute will have three main components: education, clinical care, and research. The International Medical Education and Training program will draw heavily from the hugely successful William J. Harrington Medical Training Programs for Latin America already in place at the Miller School of Medicine.

To learn more, click here.

A team of researchers, led by Falk Amelung, assistant professor of geology and geophysics at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, used interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) from 2002 to 2005 to obtain images of the ground deformation associated with volcanic activity. Researchers are able to see distinct patterns of magma activity associated with rift zones, long narrow fractures in the Earth’s crust from which lava flows out. Magma pathways that were unclamped by past eruptions and earthquakes leave a place for more magma to enter. When it accumulates in the rift zones, it pushes the flanks apart and creates stress in the area that ultimately erupts.

“We are able to infer very precisely where magma accumulation occurred and we have an explanation why it occurred in this particular location,” Amelung says. “We now have a good idea where the next eruption is most likely to occur. This technique can be employed on other large volcanoes to better forecast eruption locations.”

To learn more, click here.

UM Health Care Employee Desk Reference on the way
One of the top priorities of the University’s Health Care Task Force is to improve communications. In this spirit and to familiarize participants with the elements of their health care plan, we are reintroducing the UM Health Care Employee Desk Reference. The 2007 UM Health Care Employee Desk Reference is currently available online. The desk reference provides specific plan copay/coinsurance information, important contact information, and other features of the 2007 health care plan to assist you in using your health care benefits. Click to view the online version of the HMO1, HMO2, PPO 350, PPO750, or CF500 plans. Faculty and staff who are members of the UM health care plan will receive a hard copy of the desk reference by interoffice mail next week.

UM Project Space Opens Its Doors Top, art lovers admire the works of local artists Kari Snyder and Lamia Endara last Saturday, May 12, at the opening reception of the University of Miami Project Space in the Wynwood Art District. The new gallery will primarily display student art, as well as the works of UM alumni. Snyder and Endara graduated recently from the University’s MFA program with degrees in printmaking and photography, respectively. Above, Snyder (left) and Endara (right) chat with Lise Drost, associate professor and chair of the Department of Art and Art History, during the opening reception at the gallery, which is located at 2200 N.W. 2nd Avenue in Miami. Snyder’s Domestic Daydreams is an exhibition of life-size figurative etchings and engravings, while Endara’s Portraying The Self is an exhibit of photography and video that addresses the “self” as subject. Both exhibitions are on display at the gallery through May 31 by appointment only. For information, call 305-284-2542.

Campus police launch online system to locate police reports
Police reports filed on the Coral Gables campus will now be available online. The Coral Gables Police Department has implemented an online, public access system for reports in an effort to improve community relations, expedite the availability of police reports, and to expand the Green U initiative. The Police Department will discontinue distribution of incident summaries.

By visiting p2c.coralgables.com, members of the University community can search for, view, and print most police reports taken by UM officers. At this time, reports from January 2006 through the present can be retrieved through the system. Reports are generally available within five business days from the time of the incident, but can take longer depending on administrative processing. In addition to convenience, the new system will significantly cut down on paper and ink consumption necessary to print and fax incident summaries. For more information, visit www.miami.edu/police or call 305-284-1105.

ULearn: a new beginning
ULearn, the new Learning Management System (LMS) provided by the Professional Development and Training Office (PDTO), will officially launch on Friday, June 1. ULearn will replace NetLearning as UM’s enterprise LMS and will include a streamlined user interface allowing employees to search, register, and complete any desired learning activities provided by the University training departments.

In addition, ULearn automatically creates individual Outlook calendar items, placing any class that you register for in your UM Outlook calendar. If a class is canceled or if a training date changes, the calendar items are updated automatically. ULearn also offers individual and customizable home pages that can display each employee’s professional development information, including schedules, curricula, and transcripts. For additional information about ULearn, call PDTO at 305-284-5110 or 305-243-3090.

School of Nursing and Health Studies launches new
Web site
The School of Nursing and Health Studies has launched its new Web site, which includes a wealth of information about the unit. Among the features are pages on academic programs, research, faculty, facilities, and alumni, as well as a video (Virtual Tour) on the school. To visit the new site, click here.

Financial consultant to visit University this month
One of the financial companies approved as an official service provider by the University will be offering individual financial consultations this month.

Lincoln Financial Group will visit the Coral Gables campus today, Monday, May 21, in the Max Orovitz Building's Human Resources Conference Room. A representative will be available on the Miller School campus on Tuesday, May 22 in the Human Resources Benefits Office. An appointment can be made with a consultant on Wednesday, May 23 at the Rosenstiel campus library. To schedule an appointment, call 1-866-772-4163 or e-mail tmyong@lnc.com.

Special healthcare management certificate being offered
The Division of Continuing and International Education–Koubek Center is now accepting registrations for its certificate program in healthcare management. Classes will start Monday, May 21 and Wednesday, May 23 at the Koubek Center, 2705 SW Third Street, Miami. This certificate program is an eight-course program, 15 hours each, at a cost of $525 per course. It is designed for people working in places such as hospitals, managed care organizations, medical offices, nursing agencies, and nursing homes who can benefit from advanced training in administration in healthcare services. For more information regarding courses, costs, and registration, visit www.educationmiami.com/koubek. For more information, call 305-284-6001, fax 305-644-3826, or e-mail ebedoya@miami.edu.

Chartwells introduces healthier, sustainable food standards Chartwells, the vendor that provides dining services for the University of Miami’s residence halls and Faculty Club, has implemented new program standards that reflect its efforts to provide healthier and more environmentally sensitive choices.   These efforts include: The switch to trans fat-free, non-hydrogenated canola or soybean oils in all fryers. A massive reformulation by manufacturers and producers to offer more trans fat-free snacks and baked goods, and to also select foods from local markets whenever possible. Soy milk offered in all resident dining areas. Using more products that are grown locally, including tomatoes, squash, potatoes, citrus, blueberries, and other fruits and vegetables. Serving only cage-free whole eggs and antibiotic-free pork by the fall 2007 semester. Only “dolphin-safe” tuna is served, and the company has shifted purchases away from threatened fish species and toward sustainable sourced supplies. To learn more about UM's Green U initiatives, click here.

Information Technology provides access to valuable Gartner research
Gartner is a global leader in providing information technology research that is both timely and credible. As part of a Gartner-UM agreement, faculty, staff, and enrolled students have Web access to some of Gartner’s most timely research. This research may be used for instruction, University projects, and administration but not for commercial purposes. To access this information, visit www.miami.edu/gartner.

Want to reduce your stress and relieve pain?
Start the summer feeling and being well. The Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine at the Miller School of Medicine offers an Acupuncture Pain and Stress Reduction Clinic to the University community (as well as non-employees). Treatments, offered on both the Miller School and Coral Gables campuses, can give you more energy, relieve pain, and help you stay calm. For an appointment, call 305-243-4751.

17th Annual summer guitar camp
The Frost School of Music and Ellis Family Music Company, Inc., present the 17th Annual Summer Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drumset, and Keyboard Camp from Monday, June 18 to Friday, June 22 on the Coral Gables campus. The cost for the camp, which runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., is $295 per student and includes lunch, books, T-shirts, and fantastic training with UM professors and top musicians including Rene Gonzalez, classical guitarist and head of the classical guitar program; Don Coffman, jazz bassist and assistant chair of the Jazz Department, Steve Rucker, drummer for the Bee Gees and director of the drumset program; and Mike Harvey, drummer for Julio Iglesias and others. This camp is open to beginning students through advanced players, from grade five through graduating high school seniors. The camp includes a final gala performance. Full and partial scholarships are available through the William R. Ellis Scholarship Fund and are distributed on a first-come, first-served, financial-need basis. For more information, visit www.efmproductions.com, call 305-284-2083, or call 305-858-8189.

Hoops at home: Head coach Katie Meier and the Hurricanes kick off the inaugural Big Ten/ACC Women's Basketball Challenge versus Michigan. Miami to open inaugural Big Ten/ACC Women's Basketball Challenge The University of Miami will open the inaugural Big Ten/ACC Challenge for women's basketball at home at the BankUnited Center versus Michigan on Monday, November 19. The Atlantic Coast Conference and Big Ten announced the formation of the event last week. Beginning in 2007 and expected to run at least four years, the Big Ten/ACC Challenge will match 11 teams from each conference in head-to-head competition, following the men's basketball Big Ten/ACC Challenge. "This is going to be a phenomenal showcase of some of the nation's top basketball talent," said Miami head coach Katie Meier. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to represent the ACC, and to be able to do this at home in front of our fans." To learn more, click here.

Today, Monday, May 21 “Paving the Way for Progress: Clinical Trials in Blood Cancers.” UM/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, in collaboration with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, presents a special Conversations About Cancer program from 6 to 8 p.m. featuring Joseph D. Rosenblatt, M.D., associate director for clinical and translational research at UM/Sylvester. The event takes place at UM/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, conference room 1301. The program is free, parking will be validated, and dinner will be served. To R.S.V.P., call 305-243-1000. For more information, e-mail cthomas2@med.miami.edu.

Wednesday, May 23 “A Photographic Journey Undersea: The Creatures of the Coral Reef.” The Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science and the Ocean Research and Education Foundation present the final Sea Secrets lecture for 2006-07 at 6:15 p.m. in the Rosenstiel School Auditorium. Myron Wang, award-winning underwater photographer and environmentalist, will present a free lecture preceded by a reception at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 305-421-4061.

Thursday, May 24 “Glaucoma III: Glaucoma as Outflow Disease.” The Research Training Program Lecture Series presents Richard K. Lee, M.D., assistant professor of ophthalmology at the Miller School of Medicine, at 12:30 p.m. in the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Retter Auditorium.

Thursday, May 24 “Argentina’s Economic Outlook: At Full Speed With Challenges Ahead.” The Center for Hemispheric Policy presents a discussion regarding new challenges for sustained performance, wages, and productivity featuring panelists Daniel Artana, Juan Luis Bour, and Fernando Navajas, all chief economists at the Latin American Economic Research Foundation in Buenos Aires. The event will be held at the JW Marriott Miami, 1109 Brickell Avenue, from 8 to 9:45 a.m. The regular program fee is $30, but faculty, staff, and students are free with a valid 'Cane Card. For more information, call 305-284-9918 or visit www.miami.edu/chp.

Thursday, May 31 Orthopaedic Grand Rounds. James Weinstein, M.D., presents “Surgery versus Non-Operative Treatment for Intervertebral Disc Herniation from Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial (SPORT)” from 7 to 8 a.m. at the Mailman Center for Early Childhood Development, eighth-floor auditorium. The presentation is based on Weinstein's article on the subject published in the January 2007 edition of The Journal of the American Medical Association.

Thursday, May 31 “Will Cuba Follow the Chinese Model?” The Cuba Transition Project at the Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies (ICCAS) presents a panel discussion featuring moderator Jaime Suchlicki, director of ICCAS, and panelists Brian Latell, senior researcher at ICCAS, author, and former CIA employee; James Kilpatrick, CIA Officer-in-Residence and visiting professor at the School of Business Administration; Jorge Piñon, senior research associate at ICCAS, director of the Cuba Business Roundtable and the Cuban Family History and Genealogy Project; and Antonio Jorge, professor of political economy at Florida International University and senior research scholar at ICCAS. The event takes place at 7 p.m. in Casa Bacardi, Olga/Carlos Saladrigas Hall, 1531 Brescia Avenue, on the Coral Gables campus. Regular admission is $10, but UM students, faculty, and staff are admitted for free with a valid 'Cane Card. Reservations are suggested. To R.S.V.P., call 305-284-CUBA (2822).

Beginning Saturday, June 2 Certified Project Management Course. UM's NGJ Information Systems Institute is offering a fast-paced course designed to fully prepare attendees for the Project Management Institute's International Project Management Professional (PMP) exam. The course utilizes the Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). Students will be provided a PMBOK guide, class workbook, and examination preparation guide. The actual PMP Exam Cram is also included. The course, which will be held at 6303 Blue Lagoon Drive in Miami, costs $1,995, and will meet every Saturday for six weeks. For more information or to enroll, call 305-284-2100 or e-mail f.freire@miami.edu.

Saturday, June 2 The Seventh Hubert L. Rosomoff Research Day. The Department of Neurological Surgery showcases research by residents, fellows, and faculty of the department at the Lois Pope LIFE Center seventh-floor auditorium from 8:25 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This year’s visiting professor is Henry Brem, M.D., director of neurosurgery and Harvey Cushing Professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

Wednesday, June 6 Grants.gov Electronic Submission Course. A computer lab training course is being offered to provide hands-on instruction for NIH electronic submission of proposals through www.Grants.gov. Trainers will walk participants through the process as well as provide tips for avoiding common errors. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the requirements for electronic submission, with an emphasis on finding and using the correct application package, following grant application instructions, and understanding the procedures for the internal routing of proposals. The course is from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Calder Medical Library’s Electronic Classroom, third floor, on the Miller School campus. Register at netlearning.miami.edu. For more information, e-mail saymerich@med.miami.edu.

Thursday, May 31 Wine Tasting Seminar. The Office of Professional Advancement hosts its second wine tasting seminar from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The House of Ruinart will provide a master class on the wines of Champagne, France. The event is free for the first 30 registered individuals, and the deadline to register is Friday, May 25. To R.S.V.P., e-mail opa@miami.edu. For further information, including details about the event location, call 305-284-2980.

Global opportunities “We want to be a global leader in medicine. Miami is the most international city in the world, and if we didn't take advantage of that, we'd be missing an opportunity.” Pascal J. Goldschmidt, M.D., senior vice president for medical affairs and dean of the Miller School of Medicine, on the creation of the UM International Medicine Institute. The Miami Herald May 15 Disabled or too abled? “Are they looking at not having an unfair advantage? Or are they discriminating because of the purity of the Olympics, because they don’t want to see a disabled man line up against an able-bodied man?” Robert Gailey, associate professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, on an Olympics' governing body's resistance to issuing eligibility for an amputee sprinter with prosthetic legs who is attempting to compete at an Olympic level against athletes without a disability. The New York Times May 14 Judging terror “For what was supposed to be this grand, central case in the government's war on terror, this is going out with much more of a whimper than a bang.” Stephen Vladeck, professor in the School of Law, on the trial of terror suspect Jose Padilla, who faces less serious charges after a long legal battle resulted in the removal of his "enemy combatant" status and allowed his trial to take place in a civilian court. The Guardian Unlimited May 15