UConn Health Honored for Heart Attack Care

June 18, 2015

UConn Health is a 2015 winner of the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline Gold Receiving Quality Achievement Award for treatment of heart attack patients at John Dempsey Hospital.

UConn Health’s John Dempsey Hospital has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® Gold Receiving Quality Achievement Award for its treatment of heart attack patients.

The award recognizes hospitals, emergency medical services, and referring centers for their efforts to improve quality care for those who suffer severe heart attack, or ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

“UConn Health is dedicated to improving the quality of care for our patients who suffer a heart attack, and the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program is helping us accomplish that goal through nationally respected clinical guidelines,” says John Dempsey Hospital CEO Anne Diamond. “We are pleased to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in cardiac care, and I am very proud of our team.”

UConn Health earned the award by meeting specific criteria and standards of performance for the quick and appropriate treatment of STEMI patients by providing emergency procedures to re-establish blood flow to blocked arteries when needed. The gold award level recognizes two consecutive calendar years of meeting these criteria.

“We commend UConn Health for this achievement award, which reflects a significant institutional commitment to the highest quality of care for their heart attack patients,” says Dr. James G. Jollis, chair of the Mission: Lifeline Advisory Working Group and president of the North Carolina Chapter of the American College of Cardiology. “We applaud them for their commitment to quality and timely care.”

The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program’s goal is to reduce system barriers to prompt treatment for heart attacks, beginning with the 9-1-1 call and continuing through hospital treatment. The program helps hospitals and emergency medical services develop systems of care that follow proven standards and procedures for STEMI patients. It works by mobilizing teams across the continuum of care to implement American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Foundation clinical treatment guidelines. For more information, visit heart.org/missionlifeline and heart.org/quality.

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UConn Health July 2015 Programs, Events

June 17, 2015

Here is a list of UConn Health programs scheduled for July and early August 2015. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes. (Updated 7/30)

Nutrition for a Healthy Heart
Wednesday, July 1, 2 to 4 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
The UConn Health’s Healthy Nutrition program invites you on a journey to a lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol and healthier weight. This workshop is offered on the first Wednesday of the month. Registration fee is $30. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, July 2, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Cell and Genome Science Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 860-679-4580 or www.uconnfertility.com.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, July 11, 2 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 860-679-7820 for more information.

Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, July 16, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Cell and Genome Science Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 860-679-4580 or www.uconnfertility.com.

Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, July 16, 7 p.m., Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, 2 Batterson Park Road, Farmington.
The Greater Hartford chapter of RESOLVE, a national nonprofit resource for those facing the challenges of infertility, offers support, information and confidential, informal, peer-led discussions on the third Thursday of the month. To learn more or to check for weather-related cancellation, call 860-523-8337.

(Added 7/8)
Childbirth Preparation Class
Saturday, July 18, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., UConn Health Center, Onyiuke Dining Room
This one-day class covers anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and labor, emotions of pregnancy, nutrition, fetal growth and development, comfort measures for labor, working with unexpected events in labor, cesarean delivery, and practice of relaxation and breathing techniques for labor. Class size is limited to eight couples. Remember to bring two pillows and wear comfortable clothing. Light snack is provided. Fee is $100. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Celiac Disease Nutrition Class
Monday, July 20, 8 to 9 a.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
A registered dietitian leads a discussion for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This program now is scheduled to meet the third Monday of the month. Fee is $20. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Free Cosmetology Services for Cancer Survivors
Monday, July 20, 1 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Outpatient Pavilion, 4th floor
“Look Good…Feel Better” is a free program to help improve the self-image and self-esteem of women experiencing appearance-related side effects from cancer treatment. During this hands-on workshop, a trained volunteer certified cosmetologist will offer self-help instruction and education on hairstyling and coping with hair loss, skin care, makeup and nail care. Wigs, turbans and scarves will also be discussed. Classes are offered monthly, generally on the third Tuesday, and are not limited to UConn Health patients. Registration is required: call 800-227-2345 with your name, program date, phone number, and skin color. Kits are available in Light, Medium, Dark and Extra Dark.

New Stroke Survivor Group
Wednesday, July 22, noon to 1 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3^rd floor
The UConn Health Stroke Center invites stroke survivors, families and caregivers to a monthly group meeting to discuss topics such as prevention, coping methods, support systems, rehabilitation tips, resources, and promoting independence. The Stroke Survivor Group plans to meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Call 860-679-4846 for more information.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, July 25, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., UConn Health, Main Lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Free Workshop: “Things to Consider Before Joining a Research Study”
Monday, July 27, 5 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
The UConn Health Human Subjects Protection Office offers an educational session about the rights and responsibilities of participants in research projects on the last Monday of the month. Registration is required: 860-679-8802 or cagganello@uchc.edu.

Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, July 30, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Cell and Genome Science Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 860-679-4580 or www.uconnfertility.com.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Aug. 1, 2 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 860-679-7820 for more information.

IBS Nutrition Workshop
Monday, Aug. 3, 8 to 9 a.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
The UConn Health offers a nutrition class for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. Learn more about the low FODMAP diet as a way to reduce IBS symptoms. This workshop generally meets on the first Monday of the month. Registration fee is $20. Call 860-679-3914 to register or for more information.

Nutrition for a Healthy Heart
Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2 to 4 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
The UConn Health’s Healthy Nutrition program invites you on a journey to a lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol and healthier weight. This workshop is offered on the first Wednesday of the month. Registration fee is $30. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, Aug. 6, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Cell and Genome Science Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 860-679-4580 or www.uconnfertility.com.

(Added 7/30)
Childbirth Preparation Class
Saturday, Aug. 8, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
This one-day class covers anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and labor, emotions of pregnancy, nutrition, fetal growth and development, comfort measures for labor, working with unexpected events in labor, cesarean delivery, and practice of relaxation and breathing techniques for labor. Class size is limited to eight couples. Remember to bring two pillows and wear comfortable clothing. Light snack is provided. Fee is $100. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

(Added 7/8)
Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, Aug. 15, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., UConn Health, Main Lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Class size is limited to seven families. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Directions to UConn Health are available at www.uchc.edu/directions/index.html.

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National Media Spotlight on UConn’s Migrant Farm Worker Clinics

June 12, 2015

Univision producer Emilce Elgarresta and Dr. Bruce Gould, founder of the migrant farm worker clinics, during the video shoot at Thrall's Tobacco Farm in Windsor. — Univision producer Emilce Elgarresta and Dr. Bruce Gould, founder of the migrant farm worker clinics, during the video shoot at Thrall’s Tobacco Farm in Windsor.

The UConn Migrant Farm Worker Clinics received national media exposure this week after being featured on the Spanish language Univision Network (watch video). The segment was part of a series of reports that aired during Univision’s special Health Week campaign June 6-13.

The migrant farm worker clinics are organized and run by health profession students involved with the Connecticut Area Health Education Centers (CT AHEC) Program at UConn Health. The students, along with physician advisors and volunteer interpreters, help provide medical and dental screenings for the hundreds of migrant workers who come to Connecticut each growing season.

The lifesaving care they provide caught the attention of Univision producer Emilce Elgarresta. She contacted Dr. Bruce Gould, UConn Health’s associate dean of primary care who started the mobile health clinics in 1997. Elgarresta said she wanted to do a story about the clinics because she was very impressed and moved with Dr. Gould’s commitment to help the farm workers.

“Migrant farm workers are among the most economically disadvantaged and most medically vulnerable groups in the United States having little, if any, access to health care or medication,” says Gould. “The clinics are a way to provide them much needed medical care while teaching students that caring for the poor and vulnerable is part of the gift of being a health care provider.”

Filming — Univision video shoot during a UConn Migrant Farm Worker Clinic at Thrall Tobacco Farm in Windsor.

A few weeks later, Elgarresta flew to Connecticut from Miami and she and her crew spent two days in Connecticut taping the story. The segment highlighted the clinic held recently at the Thrall Tobacco Farm in Windsor where workers from Puerto Rico and Mexico took advantage of the free health exams.

Hannah Kotler, a second-year medical student and one of last year’s clinic coordinators, and Dr. Kenia Mansilla, a family medicine physician in Hartford and a longtime clinic volunteer, were interviewed in Spanish for the segment.

The story is part of a yearly campaign by Univision, the fifth largest television network in the U.S., to provide their audience with information about timely health care topics and disease prevention. The stories are aired across the network’s news and entertainment shows, as well as their radio networks, webcasts and town hall broadcasts.

The UConn Migrant Farm Worker Clinics operate annually from June to October and provide services to more than 400 migrant farm workers at nine farms and greenhouses throughout the state. The clinic engages pre-health professions students including high school and college students, as well as health professions trainees and residents.

The Connecticut Area Health Education Center Network (CT AHEC) is a federal and state funded program supporting primary care workforce development. CT AHEC is located within the University of Connecticut’s Center for Public Health and Health Policy at UConn Health in Farmington, Conn.

Northeastern Glenn Symposium Attracts Top Researchers

June 11, 2015

From left, Drs. Stephen Helfand and Nicola Neretti from Brown University and Blanka Rogina from UConn Health at the Glenn Symposium on May 27. — From left, Drs. Stephen Helfand and Nicola Neretti from Brown University and UConn Health’s Blanka Rogina.

The first Northeastern Glenn Symposium on the Biology of Aging was held at UConn Health’s Cell and Genome Sciences building on May 27. The symposium was sponsored by the Glenn Foundation for Medical Research, which sponsors research in the biological mechanism of aging. Colleagues from Brown, the Einstein College of Medicine, Harvard, MIT, Quinnipiac, UConn and Yale met for the one-day event to share the latest information about aging research.

The symposium was spearheaded by Mark Collins, the director of the Glenn Foundation for Medical Research, and Dr. Nir Barzilai, the Ingeborg and Ira Leon Rennert Chair in Aging Research from the Einstein College of Medicine. Drs. Barzilai and Blanka Rogina, associate professor of genetics and genome sciences at UConn Health, organized the meeting.

Rogina said the interest in the symposium was remarkable and resulted in a packed program consisting of 19 oral presentations and 22 poster presentations. More than 130 scientists ranging from principal investigators to undergraduate students attended the event.

Dr. John Sedivy from Brown University moderating a session during the Glenn Symposium held at the Cell and Genome Sciences building at UConn Health. — Dr. John Sedivy from Brown University moderating a session during the Glenn Symposium held at the Cell and Genome Sciences building at UConn Health May 27, 2015.

“It was great to see such enthusiasm and so many labs attending and participating,” said Rogina, who hosted the meeting. “I was happy to see the leaders in aging research from the top universities in the Northeast attending the symposium. It was an exciting day with excellent presentations and a great success.”

The next symposium will be held at Yale University next May.

Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Symposium

June 10, 2015

Third-year medical students who won first place for "Instituting low dose CT screening for qualified individuals at the Brownstone APC clinic." From left, Corey Dwyer, Melissa Argraves, Monica Townsend, Ethan Talbot, Adarsha Selvachandran, Patrick Field, Charles Ma, and Christopher Hammel. — Third-year medical students who won first place for “Instituting low dose CT screening for qualified individuals at the Brownstone APC clinic.” From left, Corey Dwyer, Melissa Argraves, Monica Townsend, Ethan Talbot, Adarsha Selvachandran, Patrick Field, Charles Ma, and Christopher Hammel.

The 11th Annual Symposium for Patient Safety and Quality Improvement (CQI) was held June 8 and attended by approximately 100 medical students, residents, faculty and UConn Health community members.

Sponsored by the Connecticut Area Health Education Center Program (CT AHEC) and the UConn School of Medicine, the CQI Symposium is the culmination of the quality improvement curriculum for the third-year medical students. During their internal medicine ambulatory experience, all students participate in designing, implementing and evaluating a quality improvement intervention targeting an opportunity for improvement identified at their site.

A total of 15 student and resident posters were featured. Judges for the CQI projects included representatives from John Dempsey’s Center for Bronchiectasis Care, epidemiology and infection control, quality program departments, Internal Medicine Residency Program, Center for Public Health and Health Policy/Correctional Managed Health Care, as well as the Department of Family Medicine.

The keynote speaker for the symposium was Dr. Robert Zavoski, a pediatrician and the medical director of medicaid programs for the Connecticut Department of Social Services. Zavoski utilized humor and practical examples to discuss the important role of quality improvement in practice, health policy and public health. Zavoski applauded all student and resident participants at the Symposium for their commitment to excellence and quality improvement.

First place award for resident poster:
“Reducing Readmissions in Patients with LACE Score ≥ 10 : Comparing Different Strategies “ (St. Francis/UConn Health); Bhavtosh Dedania, Arushi Khurana, Gurukripa Kowlgi, Nikhil Kapila, Victoria Forbes, Ausia Iqbal, Shaina Lynch, Khushboo Sheth, Joseph Fusco, Donna Pepito, Kaitlyn Guardino, Karen Zanoria, Anthony Yoder, Henry Igid, Amanda Kost, Kelly Mazurek, Dipen Khanapara, Amrita Panwala, Mamta Shah, Edgar Naut.

First place award for medical student poster:
“Instituting low dose CT screening for qualified individuals at the Brownstone APC clinic” (Hartford Hospital); Adarsha Selvachandran, Monica Townsend, Melissa Argraves, Christopher Hammel, Charles Ma, Ethan Talbot, Patrick Field, Corey Dwyer.

HCOP Recognition Ceremony

June 9, 2015

Graduates of the Senior Doctors Academy during closing ceremonies on May 20, 2015.

The Health Career Opportunity Programs held its Aetna Health Professions Partnership Initiative Doctors Academy Annual Academic Year Program Closing and Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday, May 20. The event marked the culmination of a successful academic year for 114 participants of the Great Explorations Program, Jumpstart Program, Junior Doctors Academy, and Senior Doctors Academy by increasing the number of underrepresented students from the Hartford area interested in the health professions.

Keynote speaker for closing ceremonies Hartford State Representative Douglas McCrory and Associate Dean of the Health Career Opportunity Programs Dr. Marja Hurley.

The highlight of the evening for the participants and parents was watching the 20 students in the Seniors Doctors Academy receive white coats as part of their graduation from the program before embarking on their journey to college. Two of these recipients, Anika Bennett and I’Jaaz Muhammad, were awarded the John and Valerie Rowe Scholarship and will be entering the University of Connecticut as Rowe Honors Scholars. Also among this group, 12 will be matriculating at the University of Connecticut, six will be matriculating at other universities in Connecticut, and two will be attending universities out of state. The keynote speaker for the evening was State Representative Douglas McCrory, Deputy Majority Leader, ^7th Assembly District of Hartford.

International Leader in Endodontology Receives Faculty Recognition Award

June 5, 2015

Dr. Kamran E. Safavi, professor and chair, Division of Endodontology and 2015 Board of Director's Faculty Recognition Award winner. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health Photo) — Dr. Kamran E. Safavi, professor and chair, Division of Endodontology and 2015 Board of Directors Faculty Recognition Award winner. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health Photo)

Dr. Kamran Safavi, an international leader in the field of endodontology, is this year’s recipient of the UConn Health Board of Directors Faculty Recognition Award. The award has been presented annually at Commencement since 2003 and recognizes academic, administrative, and clinical excellence.

Safavi is currently chair of the School of Dental Medicine’s Division of Endodontology in the Department of Oral Health and Diagnostic Sciences and director of the Advanced Education Residency Program in Endodontology.

During his 37 years at UConn Health, Safavi has established himself as a world-renowned expert in endodontology, which is the study of dental pulp and tissues surrounding the root of a tooth. Endodontic treatment is needed when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected.

Safavi’s research focuses on better understanding of pulpal inflammation and pulpal-origin infection and has resulted in over 100 published manuscripts or abstracts and more than 50 scholarly presentations. The residency program which he leads is recognized as one of the strongest in the country and has produced many leaders in dental education, research, and clinical dentistry.

“Beyond these academic accomplishments, Safavi is perhaps best known for his kind and calming demeanor, his compassionate approach to patient care, his deep interest in those he mentors, and for his affection for and dedication to UConn Health which has been his academic home for his entire professional career,” says Dr. R. Lamont MacNeil, dean of the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine.

“I am very proud to be a UConn Health faculty member and humbled to win this award,” says Safavi.

Dr. Safavi received a DMD degree from the University of Tehran in 1966, a Certificate in restorative dentistry from the University of London in 1971, and a Master in Education degree and certificate in Endodontology from the Medical College of Virginia in 1978. He then joined the School of Dental Medicine as director of Advanced Education Residency Program in Endodontology, a position he has held continuously over the past 37 years. He became a diplomat of the American Board of Endodontics in 1984 and was named chair of the Division of Endodontology in 2005.

In 2010, based on nomination by his faculty peers and staff, he was recognized for his dedication to excellence and collaboration in being named a recipient of UConn Health’s Doctor’s Day Award.

Robison Named GSA Fellow

June 2, 2015

The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) has awarded Fellow status to Julie Robison, Ph.D., associate professor in the UConn Center on Aging. The GSA is the world’s oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to research, education, and practice in the field of aging.

The GSA fellowship is an acknowledgment of Robison’s outstanding and continuing work in the field of gerontology. She will be honored during the Society’s 68th Annual Scientific Meeting this November in Orlando, Fla.

UConn Med Students Cycling for 10th Coast to Coast for a Cure

May 27, 2015

From left: Alex Tansey, Alex Blanchette, Carolyn Tusa, David Lam, Erin Gambos, and Thomas Presti make up 10th Coast to Coast for a Cure cycling team. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health Photo)

A cross-country bicycle tour to raise money for leukemia research that turned into an annual tradition for rising second-year students at the UConn School of Medicine is now in its 10th year.

Coast to Coast for a Cure started in 2006 with a summer dream to ride across the country and grew into a heartwarming dedication to help a cause. Then-first-year medical students Jeremiah Tracy and Benjamin Ristau teamed up with the Hartford nonprofit Lea’s Foundation for Leukemia Research. Their journey aimed to raise $50,000 for leukemia and lymphoma research in honor of Tracy’s mother, Elizabeth Herman Tracy, who was diagnosed with chronic lymphomacytic leukemia and later passed away from secondary illnesses caused by the treatments. Throughout the years, Coast to Coast for a Cure has raised more than $250,000.

This year, six UConn medical students are riding nearly 3,800 miles, starting in Seattle June 9 and ending on the shores of Connecticut, helping to raise another $50,000 as well as awareness.

Alex Blanchette	Erin Gombos	David Lam
Thomas Presti	Alex Tansey	Carolyn Tusa

Throughout the trip, the riders will post updates and photos on their blog, coast2coastforacure.wordpress.com.

Proceeds from the 10th annual Coast to Coast for a Cure will aid patients and their families as well as help support clinical trials for leukemia patients. Those wishing to make a pledge can do so at leasfoundation.org,

Lea’s Foundation for Leukemia Research was formed in 1998 to honor the memory of Lea Michele Economos, who lost her battle with leukemia at age 28 after an unsuccessful bone marrow transplant. Since the inception of Lea’s Foundation, millions of dollars have been raised to help others celebrate life and to raise money for those suffering from leukemia and other blood‐related disorders. Additionally, the Foundation seeks to increase public awareness of these cancers and to provide patients and their families with limited direct financial assistance.

In 2007, the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at UConn Health dedicated the Lea’s Foundation Center for Hematologic Disorders, made possible by a $1.25 million pledge from Lea’s Foundation.

Jaime Trajcevski contributed to this story.

Cancer Survivors Day 2015

May 22, 2015

Former head coach for men’s basketball Donald (Dee) Rowe was the featured speaker at the 18th annual UConn Health Cancer Survivors Day held at Farmington Gardens on May 2. More than 170 attendees listened as Rowe described his inspiring cancer journey at UConn Health.

Nancy Baccaro, APRN and coordinator for the Survivorship Program, hosted the event which included a brunch for the survivors, their caregivers and families. Participants enjoyed outdoor games such as bocce, volleyball, and croquet. Indoor activities included yoga, chair massages, creating healing stones, and taking photo booth pictures.

As in years past, many departments throughout UConn Health donated gift baskets for the survivors.

Survivors Day is celebrated in hundreds of communities throughout the U.S. and Canada. According to the National Cancer Institute, there are 13.7 million cancer survivors in the U.S. today.