September 15, 2000

PIE award nominations
Nomination forms for the 2000 Partners in Excellence awards now are available. Individuals or teams who consistently go beyond the call of duty in quality treatment and service; leadership and innovation; teamwork; operational efficiency; or outstanding community contributions are eligible for nomination. To complete a nomination form, visit http://intranet.partners.org/pie/. Forms also are available from managers and supervisors. Nominations are due by Sept. 27. For more information, visit the web site, send email to partnersinexcellence@partners.org, or call 724-9743.

Genomics Approaches to Common Diseases
"Genetic Analysis of Insulin-like Signaling in C. Elegans," the next lecture in the Genomics Approaches to Common Diseases series, will be offered Sept. 26, 4 to 5 pm in the Haber Conference Room (across from the O'Keeffe Auditorium). Gary Ruvkun, PhD, will describe the use of a genetic model system – the worm C. elegans – to characterize the evolutionary conserved pathway of insulin signaling. His work reveals both the use of genome sequence and genetics to probe biology and also the power of cross-species comparison in the era of complete genome sequences. Registration is recommended. To register, visit http://crnet.mgh.harvard.edu/home/home or call Alison Simmons at 726-1669.

Clinical Research Program seminar series
The Clinical Research Program will offer "The Impact of Genomics on Health Care," Sept. 20, 11:45 am to 1 pm in the Wellman Conference Room. William Crowley, MD, chief of the MGH Reproductive Endocrine Unit, will discuss the impact of genetic research on academic health centers and health care in general over the next five to 10 years. Dessert and beverages will be served. This lecture qualifies for 1.2 CEUs for registered nurses. To register, call 726-1669.

Conference on medical speech language pathology
The graduate program in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the MGH Institute of Health Professions and the Speech Language Pathology Departments at the MGH and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital will co-sponsor the third annual Conference on Medical Speech Language Pathology, Oct. 6, from 8 am to 4:45 pm at the Shriners Burns Hospital Auditorium. "Reconsidering Clinical Aphasiology: How we got here and what we might do about it," will be presented by Robert T. Wertz, PhD, of VA Medical Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. There will be a panel discussion. Registration is required by Sept. 29, and the cost is $135 for Partners employees. This course qualifies for 0.6 CEUs. For more information, call 724-6313 or send e-mail to glof@partners.org.

Kenneth B. Schwartz rounds
All MGH care providers are invited to attend the Kenneth B. Schwartz Rounds, Sept. 29, 11:30 am to 1 pm in the Walcott Conference Room. Lunch will be provided beginning at 11:15 am. The rounds will feature a discussion about "Medical Mistakes: A Workshop on Personal Perspectives," led by Wendy Levinson, MD, professor at the University of Chicago. Nursing and social work CEUs and Category 1 CME and risk management credits are available. Participants must register by Sept. 25. To register, call 724-6862.

Weight management class
MGH Nutrition Services will offer a 10-week weight management class entitled "Winning at the Losing Game," beginning Oct. 3, 5:30 to 7:30 pm. The class meets every Tuesday and includes nutrition education by a registered dietitian, an exercise program supervised by a physical therapist and martial arts instructor and behavioral modification to assist with lifestyle change. The class costs $225 for MGH employees and is limited to 15 participants. For more information, call 726-2779.

Nourishing newborns
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) will offer the seminar, "Nourishing Your Newborn," Sept. 21, 1 to 2 pm, in VBK 401. Germaine Lambergs, an MGH lactation consultant, will present the latest information about breastfeeding. This seminar is for expectant parents, new parents or employees considering having children. For more information, call the EAP at 726-6976.

Science fair mentors
The MGH/Timilty Partnership still needs science fair mentors. Mentors meet with students at the MGH on seven Friday mornings between October and January. Orientations for new mentors will be held Sept. 19, 8 am to 1:30 pm in the Walcott 2 and 3 Conference Rooms and Oct. 3, 8 am to 1:30 pm at CNY in Conference Room A. For a Science Fair Program schedule, visit: http://timilty.boston.k12.ma.us/mgh/SCvolunteers.htm, call the MGH/Timilty Partnership Office at 724-3210 or send e-mail to timilty@partners.org.