Walk to End Alzheimer’s 2019

October 17, 2019

Congratulations to the UConn Nation team, which as of last weekend’s 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Disease at Rentschler Field nearly achieved its ambitious fundraising goal! There’s still time to push them past the $8K milestone—donate to the team today! (Contributed photos)

Fall Fun Festival 2019

October 10, 2019

Fall Fun Festival at UConn Health

UConn Health staff and students enjoy the annual Fall Fun Fest featuring the ever-popular Pumpkin Palooza decorating contest, a candy corn guessing game, and a new photo booth, along with delicious donuts, apples, popcorn, and cider. (Photos by Tina Encarnacion)

Shaute Taylor portrait
Shaunte Taylor is an intern with Project SEARCH, a partnership with Favarh, at UConn Health. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health photo)

Pumpkin Palooza

Following is a first-person account participating in and volunteering at the Fall Fun Fest by Project SEARCH intern Shaunte Taylor:

I enjoyed the process of making Boogie and painting the pumpkin. Getting ready for the contest was a fun experience with my co-workers. I’m glad we got to make our own individual pumpkins like Jack Skellington, Sally, Mayor and Zero. We put a lot of work into getting prepared for the event. The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of my favorite movies, I watch it all the time. I feel we did each character justice and brought each one to life. I loved seeing what each department did with their pumpkins and what they did had a lot of detail, so the competition was stiff. I also enjoyed giving out the tickets so everyone could vote on which pumpkins they liked the best. We were really hoping to win first place, but we are still very happy that we placed second! I would congratulate the team who won.

At the event there were so many treats, from popcorn to caramel apples. The donuts were really good and the cider was delicious, it was like a festival at work. It was a little chilly outside which added to the fall festival experience. I am glad that we got to participate and do this together as a team. Everyone worked well, we did it and got it done. All our hard work paid off. I would love to participate again next year!

Faculty Appointments, Promotions Fall 2019

September 5, 2019

The Academic Affairs Subcommittee of the Board of Directors has approved the following new faculty promotions and appointments for the Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine:

School of Dental Medicine Promotions

(Photo by Jeanine Gelineau)

Professor In-Residence

  • Dr. Steven Lepowsky – General Dentistry

Associate Professor with Tenure

  • Dr. Aditya Tadinada – Oral and Maxillofacial Diagnostic Sciences

Associate Professor In-Residence

  • Dr. Takanori Sobue – Oral Health and Diagnostic Sciences

School of Medicine Appointments

Professor – In Residence

  • Dr. Kwame S. Amankwah – Surgery
  • Dr. Raymond A. Dionne – Cell Biology

Associate Professor – Affiliated Institution

  • Dr. Mark Marieb – (Hartford Hospital) – Medicine

School of Medicine Promotions

Professor – In Residence

  • Anton M. Alerte – Pediatrics
  • Steven V. Angus – Medicine
  • Raymond J. Foley – Medicine

Professor – Tenure Track

  • Kimberly L. Dodge-Kafka – Cell Biology

Professor – Affiliated Institution

  • Christine M. Finck – (Connecticut Children’s Medical Center) – Surgery

Clinical Professor – Community Faculty

  • Charles L. Castiglione – Surgery
  • Joseph H. McIsaac, III – Anesthesiology
  • Thomas C. Mort – Anesthesiology

Associate Professor w/award of Academic Tenure

  • Lisa C. Barry – Psychiatry

Associate Professor – In Residence

  • Laurie C. Caines – Medicine
  • Justin J. Finch – Dermatology
  • Jennifer M.P. Kanaan – Medicine
  • Jun Lu – Dermatology
  • Pooja Luthra – Medicine
  • Kenia Mansilla-Rivera – Family Medicine
  • Wendy A. Miller – Medicine
  • Michael J. Payette – Dermatology
  • Christine Thatcher – Family Medicine
  • Kristina F. Zdanys – Psychiatry

Associate Professor – Affiliated Institution

  • Elizabeth A. Deckers – (Hartford Hospital) – Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Lawrence Engmann – (Center for Advanced Reproductive Services) – Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Annmarie Golioto – (Connecticut Children’s Medical Center) – Pediatrics
  • Louisa Kalsner – (Connecticut Children’s Medical Center) – Pediatrics
  • Lisa B. Namerow – (Hartford Hospital) – Psychiatry
  • Avinash Prasad – (Hartford Hospital) – Neurology
  • Stephanie E. Rosener – (Middlesex Hospital) – Family Medicine
  • Melissa Santos – (Connecticut Children’s Medical Center) – Pediatrics
  • Erica A. Schuyler – (Hartford Hospital) – Neurology
  • Shailendra Upadhyay – (Connecticut Children’s Medical Center) – Pediatrics

Associate Clinical Professor – Community Faculty

  • Sivasenthil Arumugam – Anesthesiology
  • Melanie S. Collins – Pediatrics
  • Thomas J. Martin – Anesthesiology
  • Dhamodaran Palaniappan – Anesthesiology

In Memoriam: Richard G. Stevens, PhD

August 15, 2019

Richard G. Stevens in 2008 (Photo by Barbara Case)

It is with deep sadness that we share news of the passing of beloved colleague, researcher, and teacher Richard G. Stevens, Ph.D.

Dr. Stevens served UConn School of Medicine as a longtime faculty member since 1999. He was a professor and researcher in the Department of Community Medicine and Health Care and additionally contributed greatly to teaching UConn graduate students in the public health program, the masters in clinical and translational research program, and medical school students.

Dr. Stevens was a highly renowned cancer epidemiologist. For more than three decades he studied the effects of body iron levels associated with cancer and the role artificial lighting has on human health. He was steadfast in advancing our available scientific knowledge and the general public’s awareness about how artificial light, including light emitted from our electronic devices, is affecting our biology including disrupting our circadian rhythms.

He authored more than 150 academic publications including many with high impact in top scientific journals. As an avid communicator he authored high-profile media pieces that achieved large readership, spreading awareness and the UConn name far and wide.

In addition to his successful professional career, Dr. Stevens enjoyed the outdoors and was a great friend to many at UConn.

Dr. Stevens was a graduate of the University of California and completed his Ph.D. in epidemiology at the University of Washington.

A memorial service celebrating Richard’s life will be held on Friday, August 23, at 3 p.m. at the Carmon Funeral Home Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon.

Our sympathy is with his wife, Ann, and family.

 

Sincerely,

Dr. Bruce T. Liang
Dean, UConn School of Medicine

Dr. Douglas Brugge
Chair, Community Medicine and Health Care

Whale of a Weekend

July 18, 2019

The Hartford Yard Goats held another Whalers Alumni Weekend, which started with ballplayers of today and hockey players of yesterday visiting with staff and patients at UConn Health Friday.

Honoring UConn Health’s Volunteers

June 6, 2019

3 UConn Health volunteers at a table7 UConn Health volunteers at a table2 UConn Health volunteers at a table4 UConn Dental students provide music for the eveningGroup of volunteers and honorees at a table3 UConn Health volunteers at a table4 UConn dental students who provided music

UConn Health held a recognition reception for its volunteers June 4 in the academic rotunda.

Last year, 171 UConn Health volunteers gave more than 21,600 hours in various roles. Some volunteer for a few days a month, while others come in daily. In a typical week, UConn Health benefits from 415 volunteer hours.

Departments that could use volunteer assistance should email marsantiago@uchc.edu to inquire about availability and to schedule. Those who are interested in learning more about volunteering, or who know someone who might be interested, also should email marsantiago@uchc.edu.

When Your Email Smells Phishy…

April 25, 2019

PhishAlarm screen grab
The Microsoft Outlook add-in PhishAlarm enables fast, secure reporting of suspicious emails. (Click image for detailed instructions.)

UConn Health Information Technology Security soon will unveil a new tool for reporting suspicious emails. PhishAlarm® is a Microsoft Outlook add-in that allows you to easily report suspicious email without having to remember an email address. When emails are forwarded using this capability, security analysts receive all of the information they need to determine if the email you reported is a real phishing attack. You will see a PhishAlarm option in your Outlook toolbar.

How it Works

When you receive a suspicious-looking email in Outlook, either within the message preview pane or the opened message, click on the PhishAlarm option located in the Outlook toolbar and selects “Report Phish” from the drop-down menu.

You will receive feedback via an immediate pop-up window or an email. The reported email then is automatically deleted.

Watch a short video to learn more about PhishAlarm.

UConn Health May 2019 Programs, Events

April 19, 2019

Here is a list of UConn Health programs scheduled for May and early June 2019. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes. (Updated 5/14)

Living Well With Epilepsy: A Support Group for Young Adults
Saturday, May 4, noon to 1:30 p.m.
, UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 2nd floor large conference room S2010

The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, in partnership with the UConn Health Department of Neurology, offers a support group for young adults who live with epilepsy. This group is open to those aged 18 to 30 who would like to join others to share experience, gain peer support, and learn together about epilepsy and overcoming its challenges to live well. The group generally meets on the first Saturday of the month. Please call 860-346-1924 or email manzelone.efct@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, March 4, 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 888-901-BCAN for more information.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, May 4, 2 p.m.
, UConn Health, University Tower lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at the UConn John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Breastfeeding Class
Wednesday, May 8, 6 to 8 p.m.
, UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining room
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breastfeeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breastfeeding mother as well as how to continue breastfeeding and working. Fee is $25 per couple. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

(Canceled 5/14)
Living Well With Heart Disease Meeting
Thursday, May 16, 11 a.m. to noon
, UConn Health, University Tower, 2nd floor conference room

Men and women affected by heart disease meet to discuss post-diagnosis topics such as prevention and wellness, social and emotional support, heart-healthy recipes, coping strategies and resources. Significant others and caregivers are also welcome to attend. Please call Sue at 860-679-3633 for more information.

Breast Cancer Support Group
Thursday, May 16, 7 to 8 p.m.
, UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
This is a support group intended for women under the age of 45 who’ve been diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer. Women at any point in their cancer survivorship journey are welcome. Meetings are the third Thursday of the month. To register or more information, call 860-679-7820 or email tillinghast@uchc.edu.

Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, May 16, 7 to 8:30 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.

Childbirth Preparation Class
Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor large conference room S3301
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.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, May 18, 2 p.m.
, UConn Health, University Tower lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at the UConn John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Stroke Survivor Group
Wednesday, May 22, noon to 1 p.m.
, UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd 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 generally meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Call 860-679-4846 for more information.

New Brain Aneurysm Support Group
Thursday, May 23, 3 to 4 p.m.
, UConn Health, Outpatient Pavilion, 6th floor large conference room.

In partnership with the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, UConn Health now offers an educational setting to provide support for patients and survivors of brain aneurysm, as well as caregivers, family and friends. The group will meet on the fourth Thursday of the month. Attendees will discuss recovery topics and learn about helpful resources, all in an environment to foster reassurance and personal exchange. To learn more, call Deb Feigenbaum, MSW, LCSW, at 860-679-2377 or email feigenbaum@uchc.edu.

(Canceled 5/30)
Living Well With Epilepsy: A Support Group for Young Adults
Saturday, June 1, noon to 1:30 p.m.
, UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 2nd floor large conference room S2010
The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, in partnership with the UConn Health Department of Neurology, offers a support group for young adults who live with epilepsy. This group is open to those aged 18 to 30 who would like to join others to share experience, gain peer support, and learn together about epilepsy and overcoming its challenges to live well. The group generally meets on the first Saturday of the month. Please call 860-346-1924 or email manzelone.efct@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, June 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 month, UConn Health’s oncology dietitian joins as a guest speaker. 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 888-901-BCAN for more information.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, June 1, 2 p.m.
, UConn Health, University Tower lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at the UConn John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Breastfeeding Class
Wednesday, June 5, 6 to 8 p.m.
, UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining room
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breastfeeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breastfeeding mother as well as how to continue breastfeeding and working. Fee is $25 per couple. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Childbirth Preparation Class
Saturday, June 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor large conference room S3301
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.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, June 15, 2 p.m.
, UConn Health, University Tower lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at the UConn John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Directions to UConn Health are available at health.uconn.edu/locations.

Let Nesting Geese Lie

April 18, 2019

A Canada goose nests outside the UConn Health academic building.
A Canada goose nests outside the UConn Health academic building. (Photo provided by Tom Trutter)

It’s that time of year again, when our resident Canada geese are nesting. Our federally protected feathered friends may choose locations that aren’t all that convenient for us as campus travelers, but they have their reasons.

Canada in a UConn Health parking lot
A Canada goose patrols a UConn Health parking lot during nesting season. (Photo by Delker Vardilos)

Here are some important things to remember:

  • They tend to choose open, flat spaces so they can see predators from a distance.
  • They’ll be gone in less than a month from when the mother starts sitting on her eggs. Within hours of hatching, the babies can walk and the parents will lead them away to the closest water source.
  • Leave nests alone. Moving a nest containing eggs can endanger the young.
  • Don’t feed them. Mom usually doesn’t eat during the incubation period, so leaving food will attract predators. And feeding the newborns unnatural foods can cause problems with their development.

Best practice: Leave them alone, stay out of their way, and when the babies come, they likely won’t be in your way any more.