Rwjmed Sp10.Pdf

A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI & FRIENDS OF UMDNJ-ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON MEDICAL SCHOOL SPRING 2010 Education Forging a Stronger Link Between Science and Medicine “We believe our first responsibility“ is to the doctors, nurses and patients, to mothers and fathers and all others who use our products .”and services.” Our Credo letter from the dean Dear Colleague, his issue of our magazine highlights the premium we place on our academic program. By pursu- ing excellence in our four mission areas — education, research, clinical care, and community health — we strive to achieve our leading priority: to preserve and advance medical education. TOur cover story, The Evolution of a New Curriculum, reports in depth on academic initiatives that are reshaping our academic program at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. This fall, with the introduction of Curriculum 2010, we will begin teaching the basic sciences through integrated modules, organized by body systems. We have added new opportunities for first- and second-year students to apply basic science knowledge in clinical settings. And we have intensified our graduation requirements for independent student research, while expanding our array of research programs. With this issue we introduce six of our newest faculty members. They bring exceptional expertise and a record of leadership in a broad variety of fields: cardiac electrophysiology, surgical critical care, pedi- atric immunology, gastroenterology, maternal-fetal medicine, and developmental neuroscience. Robotics and Beyond explores three areas in which we are applying and developing robotic technology: robotic surgery is improving patient outcomes, real-time intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging is creating surgical and therapeutic miracles, and a new generation of robots safely analyzes environmental risks to children. Turning Disabilities into Possibilities spotlights the Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities. Thanks to this remarkable center, people with developmental disabilities lead fuller lives, and their families and teachers find the resources they need. The faculty and staff of The Boggs Center train our students and residents and share best practices in and beyond New Jersey. On our Piscataway campus, two leading researchers are using the complementary tools of their disciplines to identify and decode autism- susceptibility genes. Their collaboration is the subject of Genetics and Neuroanatomy: Teamed to Solve the Mysteries of Autism. RWJMS has launched New Jersey’s first residency program for radiation oncology physicists. This complex, multi-disciplinary initiative takes our graduate education to the next level of excellence and enhances the quality of care available to our patients. Steven J. Kravet, MD ’92, introduced in our alumni profile, brings his training as a pharmacist, a physician, and a hospital administrator to his JOHN EMERSON position as president of Johns Hopkins Community Physicians, compris- ing 18 primary care practices across the state of Maryland. Our Young Alumni Profiles describe the outstanding work of two physician-scientists: Mahalia Desruisseaux, MD ’00, who is investigating a cure for malaria, and Ronny Drapkin, MD ’98, PhD, who has shifted the paradigm of ovarian cancer research. As always, Robert Wood Johnson Medicine takes you into many corners of our school and introduces you to the faculty, staff, and students who are leading the way to the future. Sincerely, Peter S. Amenta, MD, PhD Dean Robert Wood Johnson I MEDICINE 1 Wouldn’t it begreat to: • Make a significant contribution to a cause in which you believe; and • Receive lifetime income for yourself or a loved one? If you establish a Charitable Gift Annuity of $10,000 or more through the Foundation of UMDNJ, you can accomplish both. And, a Charitable Gift Annuity allows you to designate your gift to the Robert Wood Johnson Medicine School department or program that means the most to you. Rates are determined by your age at the time you establish your annuity.They are set by the American Council on Gift Annuities and are generally significantly higher than current CD or bank rates (see box below). So, if you open a Gift Annuity and you are 73 years old, you receive 6%…for the rest of your life.* To learn more about how you can leave a legacy at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and help to secure your financial future or the future of a loved one, contact Denise Gavala, vice president for development, at (908) 731-6595 or [email protected]. * Subject to rate changes. Sample Rates Beginning February 1, 2009. Call Denise Gavala for updates. Age Rate 65 5.3% 70 5.7% 73 6.0% 76 6.4% 80 7.1% New Brunswick. Stratford. Newark. 85 8.1% www.umdnj.edu/foundation 88 8.9% S p r i n g 2 0 1 0 Contents DEPARTMENTS FEATURES Letter from the Dean 1 Blazing a Trail: New Faculty Bring Leading-Edge Technologies to RWJMS 18 RWJMS News 4 Profiles of six new faculty members — each a recognized leader in his or her respective Volunteer Faculty Member Profile 7 field of medicine — who bring with them the promise of new knowledge, advanced therapies and technologies, and hope for a brilliant future at RWJMS. Community Health 8 By Joni Scanlon and Kate O’Neill Research News 9 Evolution of a New Curriculum: Research Highlights 11 Forging Stronger Links between Science and Patient Care 31 Awards and Honors 14 Curriculum 2010 will transform the way first- and second-year students learn, with body-system-based teaching modules that better integrate scientific information, new opportunities Education Highlights 16 for clinical experience, and added programs dedicated to independent research. By Kate O’Neill Letter from the Alumni Association President 63 Robotics and Beyond: RWJMS Alumni News 64 How Technology is Transforming Therapy 44 Creative scientific and technical innovations in medical procedures and environmental research Young Alumni 67 are making the impossible possible. Class Notes 73 By Lynda Rudolph Last Page 76 Turning Disabilities into Possibilities 46 The Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities is influencing thought and changing lives through community and clinical education. By Lynda Rudolph RobertWoodJohnson Genetics and Neuroanatomy: Teamed to Solve the Mysteries of Autism 56 MEDICINE In a cross-disciplinary collaboration on the Piscataway campus, James H. Millonig, PhD, and Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom, MD, seek to decode ENGRAILED 2, an autism-susceptibility gene, A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI & FRIENDS OF and determine its function. UMDNJ-ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON MEDICAL SCHOOL By Kate O’Neill S p r i n g 2 0 1 0 • Volume 12, Number 1 RWJMS Launches New Jersey’s Dean Alumni Association First Residency Program for Medical Physicists 60 Peter S. Amenta, Officers: RWJMS launched New Jersey’s first residency program for radiation oncology physicists. MD, PhD President Trained to work on cross-functional cancer-treatment teams, these specialists ensure that patients Nancy Sierra, MD ’89 Executive Editor receiving radiation therapy experience minimal discomfort and maximum treatment efficacy. Patricia M. Hansen Vice President/ By Joni Scanlon Director, President-Elect Communications Tamara LaCouture, MD ’94 and Public Affairs Treasurer Alumni Profile Editor Hank Lubin, MD ’83 Steven J. Kravet, MD ’92: Roberta Ribner Secretary A Leading Advocate for Primary Care Andrew Stefaniwsky, MD ’77 and Patient-Centered Medicine 71 Writers Kate O’Neill Chair, Membership Dr. Kravet brings his wide background in pharmacy, business, and medicine to his new position Committee Lynda Rudolph as president of the Johns Hopkins Community Physicians. Sonia Garcia Laumbach, MD Joni Scanlon ’99 By Kate O’Neill Copy Editor Chair, Development Richard Slovak Committee Thomas McPartland, MD ’01 Art Director Barbara Walsh Co-Chairs, Reunion Editorial and Advertising Office Committee UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School • Roberta Ribner, Editor, Robert Wood Johnson Medicine Cover Illustration Geza K. Kiss, MD ’95 335 George Street • Suite 2300 • New Brunswick, NJ 08903 • Telephone: 732-235-6310 • Fax: 732-235-9570 Rob Colvin Francine E. Sinofsky, MD ’81 Email: [email protected] Robert Wood Johnson I MEDICINE 3 r w j m s NEWS Study Identifies that Multiple Risk Factors Existed in 78 Percent of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Cases udden Infant Death Syn- SIDS in the United States. sleep practices should drome (SIDS) continues Forty-four of those deaths oc- address the importance Sto be the third leading curred in New Jersey. The of “Back-to-Sleep,” the cause of infant death, accord- study notes that the incidence position associated with NAT CLYMER ing to the Centers for Disease of SIDS has declined by more the lowest risk, but also Control (CDC), despite a de- than 50 percent since the on- should cover all other Thomas Hegyi, MD and Barbara M. Ostfeld, PhD cline in SIDS that is associated set of public health initiatives practices that have been with a rise in safe-sleep prac- during the 1990s, most nota- identified as lowering the risk even after a comprehensive eval- tices for newborns and infants. bly the AAP’s “Back-to-Sleep” of SIDS according to the guide- uation consisting of a complete A new study by Barbara M. campaign, to raise awareness lines of the American Academy autopsy, a death scene investiga- Ostfeld, PhD and Thomas of infant care practices that of Pediatrics. These include, tion and a review of medical his- Hegyi, MD, professors of elevate the risk of SIDS. How- but are not limited to, avoid- tory of the infant and the family.

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