May 21, 1999

MGPO quarterly staff meeting
The next Massachusetts General Physicians Organization (MGPO) quarterly staff meeting will be June 2, 5 to 6:30 pm, in the O'Keeffe Auditorium. Anne Dubitzky, MGH/MGPO vice president of Managed Care Contracting and Marketing, will present a discussion entitled "Showdown: Physicians and Payors Face Off." The meeting will include brief updates about length of stay, the hospital budget, Mass General West, Pentucket Practice discussions, the MGPO CEO search, MGPO elections, MGH physician board representatives and Partners. For more information, call 4-9080.

Schwartz Center's first young professionals event
The Schwartz Center Council, a young professionals organization benefiting the Kenneth B. Schwartz Center, will hold its first social event June 9, 6 to 10 pm (open bar 6 to 7:30 pm), at The Black Rhino, 21 Broad St., in Boston's Financial District. A well-known local reggae band "Hot Like Fire" will perform. The Schwartz Center — named in memory of MGH patient Ken Schwartz, a health care attorney who died of lung cancer at age 40 — is dedicated to promoting compassionate health care and strengthening the relationship between patients and caregivers. A nonprofit organization housed at the MGH, the Schwartz Center seeks to achieve its goals through education, training and support, advocacy and policy development and research. Tickets cost $20 and may be purchased at the door or in advance by calling Sara Sewall at 4-9443.

Physiologic investigation series
The Clinical Research Program (CRP) and the Mallinckrodt General Clinical Research Center will co-sponsor "Issues in Physiologic Investigation," a series of nine lectures focusing on specific principles, tools and methodologies for investigating physiologic questions. Although this course is designed for fellows and young investigators, it is advanced enough for all clinical investigators. The sessions take place July 6, 8, 12, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27 and 29, from 5 to 6 pm, in the Bigelow Amphitheater, White Building, fourth floor. For registration materials, visit the CRP website at www.crnet.mgh.harvard.edu or call 6-1669.

Coding program summer courses
Partners Corporate Training will host a summer course registration booth for its new Clinical/Medical Coding Certificate Program with Northeastern University, May 25, 3:30 to 6:30 pm, in the Central Lobby. Courses include Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology. For more information, call 6-2230.

Blood pressure screening
In recognition of National High Blood Pressure Education Month, the MGPO will sponsor a blood pressure screening and education booth May 26, 6:30 am to 5:30 pm, in the Main Corridor. For more information, call 4-6336.

Recognizing affirmative action at HMS
The Harvard medical community is invited to the following programs focusing on affirmative action at Harvard Medical School (HMS): "Thirty Years Later: Affirmative Action at HMS," June 9, 4 to 6 pm (a wine reception will follow), and "Affirmative Action: What Physicians Can Contribute," June 10, 9 am to 3:30 pm. Both programs take place in the Cannon Room, Building C, HMS, 260 Longwood Ave. Speakers will include HMS faculty and alumni. For more information, call 432-1572.

AMMP seeks multicultural displays
The Association of Multicultural Members of Partners (AMMP) will hold its Diversity Day Celebration June 30. Employees interested in displaying items such as costumes, artifacts or photos representing various traditions and cultures, may call 4-3832 or e-mail rsarafoudi@partners.org by June 4.