She Albany iHpfriral N m ts

Vol. 1, No. 2 The Student Newspaper of Albany Medical College Albany, N.Y. Innovative program introduced Two department By ANNEE.SIERK A new program for first year choosing, in fact, one group is the freshmen may feel more students entitled ‘Clinical known to have held an early comfortable and develop a sense chairmen named Correlations’ is now being tested. meeting at The Fountain over a of finding their niche by the time By PAUL Z. SIEGEL First and fourth year students pizza. Clinical Correlations gets they reach the third year. Last week the appointments of two new clinical department meet in small groups a few times this flexibility from being purely Service to Many each month hoping to fill needs of chairmen were approved by the Board of Trustees of the Albany voluntary and not part of the What has prompted the older both classes: for the first 'year Medical Center Hospital, thereby finalizing their selection. On Nov. 1, formal curriculum. If the group students to participate in this students a sorely needed desires, the fourth year students Dr. Bernard C. DeLeo will take over as head of the Department of venture, other than as an Anesthesiology, a position left open since the tragic death of Dr. opportunity for patient contact, may lead them onto the hospital altruistic gesture? Well, many and for the fourth year students, a William B. McCafferty due to lung cancer last winter. On July 1, 1979, floors to see a particularly hope it will reintegrate them with testing ground for a life-long interesting patient or present Dr. Bernard Pollara, approved by the Board of Trustees as the new the college and its purposes. The pattern of teaching. someone whose illness is related chairman of Pediatrics, will replace Dr. Ian Porter who is retiring after freshmen are a reminder of how 10 years as chairman. Founding of Program to current study in the freshman .far they have come in the last Dr. DeLeo, 46, is presently Acting Chief of the Department of Clinical Correlations was the basic sciences. This can be a less Ithree years at AMC. But perhaps haphazard way for introductions Anesthesiology at the Ohio State University Hospital’s College of brainchild of several AMC the greatest benefit derived from Medicine and comes to Albany after 9 years on the Ohio State faculty. upperclassmen last spring. to be made to the hospital’s Clinical Correlations for the workings and personnel than for ! Prior to his tenure there, Dr. DeLeo served for 8 years as Director of Reports of a similar long-standing fourth year students involved is | the Department of Anesthesiology at St. John’s Hospital in Cleveland. program at NYU Medical School the eager first year student to practice as instructors. Senior wander the halls in search of ' Due to the multitude of talents required to head up a clinical reached students here who wished Terry Coleman emphasized that department, selection of a new chairman is no easy task. As Dr. activity. to improve the first year of future each level of medical Robert S. Bourke (Head of the Division of Neurosurgery and AMC students. Terry Coleman, Reflections professionals must feel Chairman of the search committee responsible for bringing Dr. DeLeo ’79, as head of this student The founders of Clinical responsible for teaching those to Albany) says, in choosing a*y new faculty member “clinical delegation, with administrative Correlations hope to see the first who follow them, and Clinical excellence -comes ■ first” but “a pFograro. at-cxceBcnee’'also requires aid from Dr. Alan Miller, Assoc. year class gain much from the Correlations provides an , teaching and research.” He praises Dr. DeLeo for his achievements as Dean of Student Affairs, assessed program. Students entering opportunity to start. “organizer, physician, teacher, leader, and builder, specifically citing the interest of this year’s senior medical school, somewhat The purpose of this program is his experience at St. John’s Hospital in Cleveland where Dr. DeLeo class. A questionnaire sent disillusioned by the prospect of not to add more course work to “demonstrated the ability to build a department of anesthesiology." around in May revealed there was more years of book study, will be what already seems to a first year Teaching is “fun” indeed sufficient interest to be able to see where they will be in a student as a burdensome load. It While his experience at St. John’s will doubtless prepare him for able to present the program few years by associating with the may be viewed by some as some of the upcoming responsibilities at AMC, Dr. DeLeo in no way during the Class of 1982’s fourth year students. With morale subtracting time from the perceives his new position as a repeat performance of a job well done. September orientation. thus encouraged, variety is also important first year basic sciences St. John’s has no academic program and to a large extent it is the Over 60 fourth year students added to their schedule by and whether the groups will hold attraction of the “fun” of teaching in combination with the challenge are now involved in this pilot formation of peer discussion together past exam time remains of developing a department which has lured Dr. DeLeo to Albany. program which has matched two groups. One student commented to be seen. For now, reports from or three of them with a maximum that it also adds motivation to her first year students show them to of five freshmen. The small group studying. As the name implies, be enthusiastic concerning the concept is not a duplication of the the freshmen may be able to initial meetings and activities. Focal Problems in Medicine correlate what they are learning in Because Clinical Correlations is course, currently part of the Physiology now to what they will still in its infancy, it is too soon to freshman curriculum, but enriches need in the clinical setting. Dr. say whether it will become a it with different mixes of students. Miller pointed out that it is also regular feature of AMC. Anyone Beyond the general guidelines of important for the student to make with suggestions of interest is meeting at least twice a month, the transition in his mind from an urged to contact Terry Coleman the groups are now free to meet observer to participant in or Dr. Alan Miller. MS 114. when and where they want and to medicine. With exposure to the discuss topics of their own clinical sciences and to patients

A federal department of health??

By ARTHUR W. PERRY This is the first o f two parts food and drugs. The following which in 1931 was to become the featuring the history of the U.S. year, several state boards of Food and Drug Administration Department of Health, health called for national health (FDA), was responsible for the Education, and Welfare. legislation and by 1888, the enforcement of this law. With In 1874, an American Medical AMA decided that there was this Act, public health in the Association (AMA) committee enough organization at the state United States progressed from investigated the possible level for a national department of infancy to early childhood. establishment of a federal health health to be effective. The Significant advances in public department. A structure for the primary function of the proposed welfare were seen in 1912 as the Dr. Bernard Pollava department was suggested, but it department would be to control first welfare agency, the next chairman of Pediatrics was recommended that it not be the quality of foods. Children’s Bureau, was formed. Dr. DeLeo points to AMC’s status both as a free-standing medical established until all states had In 1891, the plan for the While this agency combated the school (i.e. not having strong administrative and financial ties with a their own boards of health. The formation of a cabinet level exploitation of children, the parent university) and as a private medical school as important factors report released by this committee position for a Department of United States Public Health in his accepting the department chairmanship here. One of his initiated a low-level debate which Public Health was outlined by Service (PHS), also formed that foremost concerns is the development of a first class anesthesiology would last to this day. the AMA and proposed in the year, studied disease and department. He has discussed with Dean Bondurant and Dr. Thomas This article will first consider United States Senate. The AMA pollution and was responsible for L. Hawkins (President and Director of the Albany Medical Center the events which led to the felt that a physician’s direct input sanitary work. Hospital) the space and funding commitments he feels are necessary to formation of the present to the President would help Following World War I, in attain this goal and is satisfied that he will be given “the tools 1 need to Department of Health, shape national health policy which the PHS was chiefly work with.” The key to his confidence in these commitments is the fact Education, and Welfare (HEW), more efficiently. Representatives involved with veneral diseases that Drs. Bondurant and Hawkins speak for their respective and then discuss the efficacy of were sent to Washington, D.C., and influenza epidemics, the institutions and answer to their own Boards of Trustees. This is in the system as it stands today. to further the AMA’s lobbeying Service concentrated on contrast to Ohio State where “the buck doesn’t stop at the College of The first organized health effort. President Grover epidemiology and strengthening Medicine.” program in the United States Cleveland subsequently local health programs. The AMA Commitment for Curricular Exposure began in 1798 with the formation recommended the establishment was not satisfied with the of the Marine Health Service. of a national board of health progress of the organization of In what ways can students expect their learning experience within This agency, which provided with a national health officer. health and in 1923 again the Department of Anesthesiology to change in upcoming years? medical attention to seamen, was Although this plan was launched a full-fledged drive to Although the education of medical students constitutes only one of a originally a network of locally unsuccessful, it furthered public create a cabinet level Secretary of department chairman’s several major responsibilities. Dr. DeLeo controlled hospitals but was concern for national health and Health. This was soon followed considers teaching to be one of his primary concerns. Before agreeing centralized by the Surgeon resulted in the formation of the with a proposal by President to accept the post, he “insisted on a commitment from Dean General in 1871. Public Health and Marine Harding’s personal physician, a Bondurant for curriculum exposure in the medical school.” He hopes Although the first legislation Hospitals Service, replacing the Brigadier General, which called by next Fall to institute a one or two week rotation in Anesthesiology concerning the quality of drugs Marine Hospital Service, in 1902. for the formation of a during the 3rd year and has plans for a senior elective. It is his hope was passed in 1848, it was not The first Food and Drugs Act Department of Education, that anesthesiology will come to be “perceived by the students as a until 1883 that the Department was passed in 1906 to monitor Health, and Welfare. viable part of medicine regardless of their specialty interests” and cites of Agriculture’s Bureau- of the purity of these substances. its central role in surgical preparation and resuscitation efforts as Chemistry took major steps The Department of Agriculture’s See HEW, p.8. examples of this viability. toward insuring the quality of Division of Food and Drugs, See Chairmen, p.4. Page 2 NEXUS, October, 1978 lEditartals Heljittb Sramtt (Uurtain

Advertising “Teacher and clinician,” Dr. Eckert, reflects A basic premise that the Nexus was founded on was that this on distinguished career newspaper would be free to AMC students. Free means free — no catches. The Editorial Board recently upheld this By JAMES P. PALABATE commitment by deciding not to accept funding from the Dr. Charles Eckert, accepted. Little did the medical of Surgery). No other full-time Student Council. All revenues will come from advertising and Distinguished Professor of community realize that in the chiefs existed in any of the gifts, such as that of the Alumni Association (see below). In our Surgery and former Chairman of next eighteen years as chairman, respected surgical sub-specialties. the department, stands alone as this gentleman would completely Although the department was zeal for 100 percent ad funding, we will not sacrifice certain one of those unique individuals revitalize the Department of well respected and known principles we have agreed to abide by. The Nexus will restrict who can claim direct input into Surgery. nationally for its fine surgeons, pharmaceutical company advertising to general ads. No the development of a medical Modestly speaking, Dr. Eckert AMC had remained one of the individual drug will be permitted to be solicited because this center. Dr. Eckert’s numerous -claimed that his major type of advertising is “irresponsible and self-serving,” according contributions to AMC are now reflected in the existence of one of to Richard P. Novick, M.D., internationally known scientist, in the finest, most comprehensive an opinion column appearing in these pages. When Dr. Novick surgical staffs in the country. In a learned of our policy, he said, “I think it is very brave of you to modest and yet very comfortable try to limit the pharmaceutical companies. Nevertheless, I office on the sixth floor of the wonder how you will fare when and if you print anything Medical Education building, Dr. Eckert reflects upon a variety of critical of them. The point is that you are, at present, probably topics, ranging from the alone in such an effort. Personally, 1 would like to see every transitions seen in medical care publication that accepts drug company ads have a policy of over the past few decades to the monitoring the copy so as to ensure that it conforms stringently present political and financial to the highest standards of medical practice available.” The inequities in the health care delivery system. Nexus will not allow the advertising of any tobacco products. Born in Denver, Colorado in This advertising has long been banned in many scientific 1914, Dr. Eckert soon focused his journals due to the obvious ill effects of smoking. In the same concentration of study in science, light, any ad which has its primary focus on alcohol graduating from the University of consumption will not be printed. Criticism to these ideals is Wisconsin in 1935 with a Bachelors degree in Science, and welcome. completed his medical degree at Washington University in St. Louis in 1939. He continued his Thanks, Alumni Association post-graduate training as a surgical resident at' Barne's photo by Mitch Col/mart Hospital, the teaching hospital of The Albany Medical College Alumni Association has once Dr. Charles Eckert, Distinguished Professor o f Surgery. Washington University. again proven itself to be a viable organization truly interested in After serving time with the assisting students to. learn more about the field they will soon Army during World War II, Dr. enter. Without the Association’s generous contribution, the Eckert returned to St. Louis to achievement in his career was the few medical institutions in the Nexus could not have published a single issue. The Alumni are teach surgery at his alma mater development of the department. country to develop a full-time for the next twelve years. In 1956 When he arrived here, he noted clinical faculty after WW II. to be commended. In particular, the N e x u s wishes to thank Dr. he was offered the chairmanship that there was only one other full­ Today the department boasts Frank Maxon, Chairman of the Student Activities Committee in the Department of Surgery time staff member in surgery, Dr. Chiefs in all of the recognized of the Association, for his great interest in vaulting this idea here at AMC and graciously Samuel Powers (who is now Chief sub-specialties, and maintains a into a reality. His efforts were instrumental in the establishment working full-time faculty of of this paper. approximately twenty members. MEDICINE IN THE 1940’s As the former department head reminisces his medical studies in Appelations the mid 1930’s, Dr. Eckert remembers a few of the major differences in the curriculum then The AMC Doctrine, the Tamandua, the Holmestead, the compared with today’s programs. Tabula rasa, Vox Populi, Vox Medicini, The Synesthetic, The By ARTHUR W. PERRY The pre-clinical training consisted of two full years of basic science Medical Synecologist, The Albany Medical Heliogram, and the A nervous cerebration AMC Delineator were just a few of the many names that were with minimal training in the Depolarize, my dear clinical fields, except introductory kicked around until Deb and Steve Kaufman, AMC II, came come a little closer to neutrality interviewing and physical up with the N exus, further modified to the Albany Medical examination was taught. The N exus, last spring. A tamandua, for those of you who aren’t up Respond, for you have that action potential I desire Gross Anatomy course extended on your zoology, is an arboreal anteater, native to tropical through the entire first year, and Increase your permeability cost the student over 460 hours of America. together we’ll reach the threshold of our potential his precious time (Dr. Edmonds would be in his glory!). The entire Perceive, and become sympathetic to my stimulation human body was dissected, save the- back muscles. Indeed, this “What nerve,” you retort? ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ experience made for a Suddenly I feel postsynaptically inhibited comprehensive anatomical * * background, a prerequisite for a Oh gyrus, is nothing sacral? * GET INVOLVED - * competent surgeon. Dr. Eckert * * further notes that today’s student * JOIN THE NEXUS! * makes a fine physician, and despite the differences in * * background, many fine residents M ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ -fc in Surgery at AMC have subsequently entered into excellent careers as clinicians. Another difference between the teachings of past and present lies Albany HHriiiral Nfxub in the former emphasis on surgical pathology. Today, the surgical house officer has less Editor-in-Chief Arthur W. Perry, ’81 exposure to the underlying Associate Editor Mitch Collman, ’79 etiology and pathogenesis Asspciate Editor Paul Z. Siegel, ’81 mechanisms of disease entities. Managing Editor James P. Ralabate, ’81 See Dr. Eckert Speaks, p.b Business Manager David L. Reino, ’81 The Albany Medical Nexus is published monthly from September to June by the students of the Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave., Albany, Graduate School Editor James Plummer, Microbiology New York, 12208. The newspaper, a service to the students of the College, is also distributed to the faculty, alumni, and administration of the College, as Assistant Editor Lawrence J. Levitan, ’81 well as to the staff of the major affiliated hospitals. Present circulation is 2000. I f o t t r r Assistant Editor David Livingston, ’81 To the Editor: Assistant Edifor Danae Powers, ’81 Editorial policy is determined by the Editorial Board, an autonomous unit 1 know I speak not only for consisting of the Editor-ih-Chief, the Associate Editor(s), the Managing Assistant Editor Michael Silver, ’81 Editor, and the Business Manager. myself but also for many other Assistant Editor Anne E. Sierk, ’82 members of the incoming class All interested individuals are invited to submit letters and opinions for these when I say that the organization, pages. Criteria for publication include clarity, timeliness, and reteVance. All work, and enthusiasm that was Graphics Daniel P. McCauliffe, ’81 material must be typed and signed, and must include the mailing address of put into this year freshmen the author. The view? expressed in this material are not necessarily those of Crosswords James C. Strazzeri, ’80 Orientation Program was greatly the Nexus, and the Editorial Board reserves the right to edit all material. All appreciated. The second year Advertising Manager Steve Kaufman, ’81 notices, manuscripts, and letters must be received by the 15th of each month. students who were responsible for Advertising Manager Deborah Kaufman, ’81 running the program are to be The Nexus is funded by the Albany Medical College Alumni Association, by the contributions of philanthropic members of the Medical College thanked for their efforts and Advisors: Dr. Frank Maxon: Alumni Association community, and by our advertisers. complimented for a ‘job well Dr. Alan Miller: Administration done’. JEFF BROWN, AMC I NEXUS, October, 1978 Page 3 Hinu JFrurn 3 h? iFlnors Scrubbed out 9:45 PM Wow! Imagine this! My very first day hair pattern on the back of Dr. X’s hands, he on Surgery — my VERY FIRST night call — doesn’t look like he’d have such hairy and what happens — a man with a aneurysm — hands...why did I drink so much coffee? If only I an aortic aneurysmT Ruptured, no less! And Dr. could stretch my legs, just move them a step — X driving all the way over here at night to sew it my entire circulating volume is pooling down up...and the chief and junior residents...and ME there, and this damn armboard is going right up — all scrubbed and dressed in fiftenn minutes my — flat...well, twenty for me, really, counting the rescrub when I tried to tie my own gown and “CUT! CUT! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING broke sterile field. You would have thought the FOR!?” OR police were gonna come beat me, the way 12:45 PM...Maybe there’s just people who are everyone got so excited but now I’m all scrubbed meant to do surgery and others who just and ready— and I sure won’t ever again move aren’t...three hours holding this doddamn my hands from between my shoulders and waist... retractor...Do I still have a left hand? Yeah, — “...AND YOU, YOU STAND HERE,” says Dr. there it is. I thought that one belonged to Dr. Y X, pointing to an area one centimeter square for a minute there, but, no...it is mine...Isn’t between Dr. Y, the chief, and the arm board of it?...if I could only m ove it, I’d be able to the patient, above which is quietly running one prove...oh...oh, no — pins and needles — when I unit of packed cells and a liter of Lactated get out of here, I’m going to sleep for two days, Ringer’s...HEY! You’re not supposed to run... no, longer than that — “HERE! HERE' YOU CAN LET GO OF photo by M ilch C oilman “...WHEN I SAY ‘BOVIE’ YOU STEP ON THAT! WE DON’T NEED YOU TO HOLD IT THIS PEDAL, GET IT? AND HOLD THIS, ANY MORE!” PULL REAL HARD NOW, THAT’S IT...” Uratt’a (Eorner 1.45 I’ll never walk again, I know it. I don’t even Each month, one o f the Deans o f the Albany Medical College 10:45 PM I can’t believe it, I’ve been holding this understand how these numb legs are holding thing for an hour, a whole hour, a “malleable up...God, if I live through this. I’ll never drink wilt use this space to air his views on a topic o f interest to the retractor, it’s called — looks like a Nazi torture coffee again, I swear it, God — I know I’ve made medical community. device, flat and sharp so it digs into your fingers promises like this in the past, but they were just and keeps slipping...slipping... hasty and irresponsible...what if I throw up, DR. KYU TAIK LEE, ASSOCIATE DEAN wouldn’t that break sterile field? I’ve had to go to FOR GRADUATE STUDIES AND RESEARCH “DAMN! CANT YOU HOLD THAT THING? WE’RE ABOUT TO FLUSH!” That reminds me the bathroom for five hours now, I had no idea I When I was asked to write for the “Dean’s Corner” of the could hold it in this long, but if I keep thinking — I really have to go to the bathroom...this Albany Medical Nexus, I thought it would be an excellent about it, I’ll... bladder’s been filling up for hours...Why did I opportunity to inform medical students and faculty of the drink all that coffee? I only meant to stay awake, “NO! CUT THIS!...ARE YOU AWAKE?!” Graduate Studies Program and Research at the Albany not give myself an ulcer — maybe they keep some Medical College. Rolaids around here — it doesn’t matter, 2:45 AM When they said they were closing, I though, even if I could find some I wouldn’t be never thought it would take a whole hour. My In 1952, Albany Medical College instituted a Graduate able to eat them through this mask ...it must be a eyelids are just slamming shut, I can’t fight it off Studies Program under the auspices of Union University to hundred degrees in here, that certainly isn’t any longer...mind over matter...it’s just m ind train those whose career preference was to continue their over matter...We already silently hummed every helping things any...when I get out of here I’m scientific education and research. Since that time, the program song I know twice...maybe I should really be going to eat a whole pizza and a case of has been enlarged and strengthened to meet the increasing beer...make that a garlic pizza, no...the works! living in a cave somewhere, say in Tibet, where Pepper, onions, anchovies, I can practically taste there’s just mountains and snow and no demand for basic science faculty. it now — hospitals...yes, that’s it, no hospitals...I’m fading This year there are 53 graduate students including 15 new fast...goodbye, cruel OR — incoming students pursuing either a M.S. or a Ph.D. degree in NOT ‘CUT’! YOU “BOVIE! I SAID ‘BOVIE’, eight different departments. Students may choose to major in ALMOST TORE MY “GOOD CASE, HAH?! SEE YOU AT SIX. KID!” anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, 11.45 PM This might be really interesting if I pharmacology, pathology, toxicology, or preventive and could only see something. I’ve memorized the This article is purely fictional, any resemblance community medicine. Graduate students serve on various to particular individuals is coincidental. committees of the Medical College and are an integral part of ©pinion the student body as a whole. While many of their activities are in conjunction with those of the medical students, graduate On prescribing antibiotics students do have their own Graduate Student Organization (GSO) which functions as a liaison between the students and By RICHARD P. NOVICK, MD choice regardless of the severity of the infection or the college administration to give voice to the ideas of the In response to the New York Times’ recent of other considerations, such as holding the drug in graduate students and to form open channels of editorial on prescribing practices of physicians in reserve. New York, I should like to predict that the already The second ad is questionable because it states communication between faculty, administration, and students. embattled medical profession is in for considerably that resistance does not emerge and thus implies Such interaction has provided positive feedback for faculty and more criticism with respect to prescribing practices that the product can be used without bacteriological students alike in areas such as curriculum evaluation and than just that involving the substitution of generic tests. In fact, resistance does emerge, having been teaching effectiveness, graduate school rules and regulations, drugs for name brands. described for both drugs separeately and in grading systems, tuition, orientation for incoming students and In particular, the over-prescribing o f antibotics combination, and there is little doubt that this is in dire need of correction as it is causing a resistance will increase until it is as frequent as that the Honor Code. The active role of graduate students in worldwide diminution in the usefulness of these to other drugs. Moreover, this increase in resistance academic, research, and administrative areas of the College has valuable thrapeutic agents. This is because will be greatly aided by irresponsible use such as led to a better understanding of the roles graduate studies and antibiotic resistant strains of disease-causing that advocated in the ad. research play in the advancement of medical science. bacteria are developing and spreading rapidly in . With respect to generics vs. name brands there Support for all sponsored programs at Albany Medical response to the intensive selection pressure exerted has been a legislative move in the right direction, by the vast quantities of these drugs disseminated and enforecement is at least possible, though it may College is a little over $13 million, which constitutes unnecessarily into the environment. take some time. With respect to the prescribing of approximately 50 percent of the total budget of the College. Of What these two situations have in common is that antibiotics, there is absolute freedom and nothing these sponsored programs, over $9 million is from research they have been largely brought about by the on the horizon to limit it. programs which is received in the form of grants and contracts irresponsible and blatantly self-serving advertising The situation is completely out of hand, and the from government and private organizations. This support for practices of the pharmaceutical industry. And the imposition of external regulation, unpleasant as it American Medical Association, hand in glove with is, is crucial if the usefulness of antibiotics is to be sponsored programs has been steadily increasing in the past 10 the industry, is no help as it questions the retained. years. It is rather impressive that the total dollar amount this substitution of generics and criticizes the critics of Two relatively mild measures should be tried as a medical college received for all sponsored programs in the 1967- antibiotic overuse. start. 68 period was $3.7 million and it increased to $13.2 million The problem is that the major source of drug The first is that antibiotic advertising must be dollars in the 1977-78 period which represents a 4-fold increase. information utilized by physicians is the strictly regulated with respect with the high manufacturers themselves. Physicians are besieged standards of the practice of infectious-disease One might ask a question whether research is really by high-pressure “detail men,” who offer free treatment — and the potential loss of sales dollars important for an academic institution like a medical school. 1 samples and other inducements, and with glossy does not justify anything less stringent. believe it is and all medical schools should maintain active circulars which extol in pseudoscientific terms the The second is the imposition of a monitoring research programs. We often refer to a triangle consisting of virtues and advantages of the particular product. system for the use of antibiotics by physicians. A The busy physician has hardly the time to turn to beginning could be a legislative requirement that “teaching,” “service or patient care.” and “research” when we more reputable sources of information. every antibiotic prescription carry the diagnosis describe a well balanced and well qualified academician or a Here are two examples: A Schering ad in upon which it was based and that this information faculty member. Research is always considered to be an “Resident and Staff Physician” recommends be stored in a computer for periodic retrieval and integral part of an academic institution. It would be difficult to gentamycin (Garomycin®) as the primary drug of evaluation by an appropriate authority. This is attract first rate faculty members or department chairmen choice in gram-negative infections (infections due to already being done with Medicare and Medicaid without sound research programs. It is natural that a well such bacteria as Escherichia coli, Proteus, Serratia prescriptions in several states, and it is a very and Pseudomonas species), and a Roche ad in the effective way of monitoring prescription practices. qualified candidate likes to be a part of, or associated with, first Hospital Tribune recommends a particular The howls of anguish that will be raised about rate institutions and in my opinion a medical school cannot be combination of sulfa drugs and trimethoprim interference with the “right” to prescribe can be first rate without active research programs. For teaching or (backtrim®) for therapy of urinary tract infections answered with the comment that the medical patient care, for instance, these faculty members who are without the inconvenience of bacterial diagnostic profession has totally failed to develop and enforce engaged in, or associated with active research, would have up- and antibiotic sensitivity testing. even minimum standards during the 30 years of The first ad is questionable because gentamycin is antibiotic usage. to-date knowledge and expertise in their chosen field and could a new, potent and quite toxic antibiotic. The deliver better teaching and health care from their first hand consensus of infectious-disease experts when this Dr. Novick is Chief Department of Plasmid knowledge instead of relying on transmitting information only Biology, at the Public Health Research Institute in drug was released was that it should be saved for from textbooks or journals. With a substantial number of life-threatening infections where the causative New York City. He is also Editor of the journal organism was resistant to other, more commonly Plasmid. This article originally appeared in the faculty members with active research interest in various fields used and less toxic drugs. Here the physician is told New York Times on July 3, 1978 and is reprinted of medical science students are exposed to a much more to use the drug indiscriminately as the prim ary with permission. enriched academic environment. Page 4 NEXUS, October, i978 Estrogen as a Graduate studies in... Chairmen named contraceptive Continued from p .l. (NIH News Service) The dept of microbiology Dr. .Del.co has done extensive research into the cardio-pulmonarv effects of anesthesiology and is a National Faculty Member in Basic A conjugated estrogen tablet by James Plummer and Advanced Cardiac Life Support for the National Heart (one made of a mixture of This and forthcoming articles McSharry, Ph.D., and Ronald Association. Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a special estrogens obtained exclusively will cover programs o f graduate Schell, Ph.D.; and Assistant interest of his. At Ohio State he has been responsible for bringing from natural sources) was tested study from each of the basic Professors Robert Bennett, CPR to the medical students, personally seeing to it that every first and found to be effective in medical science departments. The Ph.D. and Gerald Frenkel, Ph.D. year student learns the technique during the first week of school. Dr. preventing pregnancy after topics to be covered will include: Superb Faculty Del.eo sees CPR as an important first step in becoming a physician unprotected, mid-cycle the history of each department, It is readily apparent that the "...at least you can keep people breathing." He praises AMC’s policy intercourse. It was as effective in details about the chairman, faculty of the department is of using students as CPR instructors and hopes to institute an preventing pregnancy as other faculty, graduate students, and unsurpassed in quality. All advanced CPR course which would include 16 hours of instruction in commonly used “morning after” unique aspects of each faculty members are individually techniques such as intubation, starting an IV, and defibrillation. pills containing diethylstilbesterol departmental program. active and represent the What are Dr. Del.eo's impressions of Albany? “Albanv is a (DES) or ethinyl estradiol, but The present graduate studies Microbiology subdiciplines of beautiful area. The people at AMC are very warm. They’re an honest was associated with fewer and program in The Department of bacteriology, clinical micro­ group ol people." He perceives a strong spirit of cooperation among milder side effects. Microbiology and Immunology biology, immunology, and the faculty as well as a genuine interest in making AMC a better In a study supported by NIH’s began when Dr. Lawrence virology, The areas of mycology medical school and as good a medical school as it can possibly be. National institute of Child Health Caliguiri, M.D. assumed the and parisitology are represented and Human Development at the chair in 1973. He has tried to by members of the New York Dr. Pollara, 50. who was the number one choice among a field of 68 University of Florida, the drug incorporate many of the positive State Division of Research and candidates under consideration by the Search Committee, has been was administered to 359 young qualities of graduate education Laboratories who also hold Professor of Pediatrics here at AMC since 1969. In 1972, he became women who had intercourse neai that he has experienced appointments in this department. Head of the Division of Pediatric Immunology. Dr. Pollara’s interests the expected time of ovulatior throughout his education and Through this close affiliation a while at Albany have centered around research. He is presently without using a contraceptive. during his scientific career. His graduate student may select any Director of the General Clinical Research Center at AMC and for 9 Only one pregnancy resulted — a major research training began at of the disciplines in years has headed up the New York State Department of Health’s failure rate of 0.3 percent. the Rockefeller University in the Microbiology The present Kidney Disease Institute. Projects presently under his direction include Most of the patients in the laboratory of Dr. Igor Tamm graduate program is replete with investigation of a newly developed theory which suggests that immune study reported some side effects after completing a pediatric examples that illustrate how the disease of the kidney may involve a component of genetic but generally the degree of residency and two years of individual members have co­ predisposition, the study of genetic complement deficiencies, and the discomfort was mild. The most pediatrics practice in the Navy. operated in order to address development of experimental models of combined immunodeficiency common side effects were nausea He continued at Rockefeller themselves to various aspects diseases. (52.3 percent) and breast working as an Associate necessary to develop a graduate Although a nationally recognized investigator in immunology. Dr. tenderness (37 percent). The Professor investigating the program. The fruition of this Pollara’s skills as a researcher were not the sole consideration in his character and bleeding pattern of molecular biology of viral effort is apparent. Their graduate selection by the Search Committee, a committee which included Dean the menstrual cycle was replication until 1973 when he studies program readily Bondurant and Dr. Hawkins. To use the words of Dr. Girard J. Craft unaffected in 69.3 percent of the was appointed Professor and accommodates the many changes (Associate Professor of Medicine and Chairman of the Pediatrics women. Chairman of The Department of that result from the dynamic and Search Committee), Dr. Pollara is a “highly respected teacher as well The conjugated estrogen Microbiology and Immunology competitive nature of modern as a superb clinician — a stethoscope-carrying doc. He recognizes the product used in this study was at AMC. In addition to this medical science. According to science of medicine but is a clinician and respects the need for primary Premarin™ This drug is currently position, he holds an Dr. Caliguiri, “it has been a and secondary care." Dr. Craft is ebullient in his enthusiasm over Dr. used as replacement therapy for appointment as Adjunct rewarding experience to associate Pollara’s selection. “I’ve been on other committees where we weren’t naturally occurring or surgically Professor at The Rockefeller with a faculty whose members sure how well our choice would work out. We (the Search Committee) induced estrogen deficiency, for University. His current research have focused much attention and feel confident that Dr. Pollara is going to be a superb chairman." some types of abnormal uterine interests include the control and effort to develop procedures for Dr. Pollara is well aware that research alone does not a department bleeding, and for prevention of regulation of influenza virus the selection, education, chairman make and that his effectiveness will demand certain postpartum breast engorgement. replication and has furthered his evaluation of graduate students”. adjustments on his part. “Till now I’ve spent most of my time on Women in the study were given studies of the immune response Continuous program adjustments science. I haven’t spent a lot of time developing teaching programs.” are necessary since there are 10 mg. of Premarin" three times a to viral infection which began at Nevertheless, since being selected by the Search Committee, he has Rockefeller from work involving students at various levels within day for five consecutive days begun the foumulation of new teaching programs. He is already antibodies directed against the department. For example, the following a negative pregnancy working with Dr. Porter, who will remain as chairman until July I of double stranded viral RNA. department has in this past year test. Therapy was started within next year, on effecting a gradual and orderly transition within the graduated its first Ph.D., Dr. 72 hours of intercourse. The The majority of the tacuity department. Robert Webster, who is now a patients were interviewed one have joined the department since post-doctoral fellowship at the Emphasis on Ambulatory Care week after the start of treatment Dr. Caliguiri’s arrival in 1973. It National Jewish Hospital in The thrust of Dr. Pollara’s plans centers around the development of to determine whether the drug is beyond the scope of this article Denver, Co. Two students, have improved pediatric ambulatory care services, during Dr. Porter’s had been taken as directed, the to develop each member’s tenure as chairman. Pediatrics has developed from a department with background, accomplishments, recently completed their occurrence of side effects, and the coursework, written preliminary' little subspecialty expertise to one which now boasts an array of patient’s future contraceptive and current research interest, however, special articles may be examinations, and are now subspecialists. Now that the department has realized its potential for needs. forthcoming covering certain preparing for the oral qualifying providing tertiary care to its patients and an education in the delivery Six weeks later each patient basic researchers throughout the exam. There are also 5 other of tertiary care to its students, it is felt that the time to develop was re-examined. This included a college. The faculty of the students at various stages of primary and secondary programs has come. Dr. Pollara feels that the repeat pregnancy test and a full department includes Professors training. outpatient service is “too fragmented and not well organized" and general, pelvic, and breast Robert Laffin, Ph.D. and counts the development of a first-rate ambulatory care program examination. Of the 377 women Richard Pickering, M.D.; amcrtig his highest priorities. accepted into the study, only 18 Associate Professors David See Grad Studies, p.7. What effect will all of this have on the clinical experience provided failed to complete the six week Lawrence, Ph.D., James to the medical students during their rotations in Pediatrics? The therapy and follow-up program. upshot is that students will begin spending more time with kids who Of these, only two were are not yet sick enough to need the care of a subspecialist. Dr. Pollara completely lost to follow-up. Of doesn’t feel that this revival fo primary and secondary care will detract the remaining sixteen, some had from the training students receive in the subspecialties. Since the Student menstruated before their hospital patient load is derived from the outpatient service, he feels scheduled visit and did not return that improved organization of ambulatory services will, in fact, bolster as requested, and others did not the learning opportunities within the subspecialties. take the medication as directed. employment All were contacted, however, and none were found to be pregnant. Women were not accepted into service begins the study if they had a history of By MICHAEL SILVER NATIONAL neoplasia of the breast, The Student Employment The SES has been well received reproductive tract or pituitary Service (SES) is a new program by both employees and MEDICAL BDS Albany gland; hypertension; migraine serving Albany Medical College employers. Dr. Miller notes that headaches; seizures, phlebitis; students. Its creation last spring feedback from various employers VQE hepatitis; or cardiac disease. was brought about by the interest indicates that the service is The study was conducted from and efforts of Morris Milman as serving a valuable purpose as a ECFMG Center July 1973 to July 1977. well as the other members of contact point for those wishing to AMC ’80. Operating under the employ responsible, reliable FLEX auspices of Dr. Alan Miller, individuals. Dr. Miller went on to The Albany Associate Dean of Students add that both he and the DENTAL BDS Affairs, this agency finds participating personnel offices are 163 Delaware Medical Nexus employment opportunities for pleased and impressed with the NURSING BDS tops New York Times medical students, graduate initiative Mr. Reino has students, and physician assistants demonstrated in his management Voluminous home study notes on all areas of basic science. in publication who desire part-time employment of the SES. Mr. Reino attributes Teaching tests accompanied by com­ frequency over in a medically related capacity. By part of the success to the prehensive teaching tapes to be used at establishing and maintaining invaluable support and assistance any of our tape centers. contact with personnel offices at of Dr. Miller and his secretary, Materials constantly updated. the last Over 40 years of participating institutions such as Barbara Shields. He also credits experience and two months! the VA, Samaritan and Memorial the inherent marketability of success in the M & as well as the AMC hospitals, medical students as a major factor field ol test H f KfflPUIN director David Reino (AMC II) is in the growth of the service, preparation. ■ P ' EDUCATIONAL mr. b’s pizza notified of positions open in this Funded by the Student area. Some of the part time Council, the SES is located in positions that needed filling were, ME 125 — behind the College The best of Blood Bank tech, EKG tech, Bookstore. The office is open For Information About Other Centers Micro Lab tech, Urgent Visit from 8:30 am to 9:00 and 1:00- Outside NY State Call TOLL FREE 439-8146 everything! Receptionist and Physical 2:00 daily, other hours by Examination Assistants. The SES appointment. The telephone 800- 223-1782 Centers in Major US Cities, Puerto Rico has also compiled a list of non- number there is 445-5222. If there Toronto, Canada & Lugano, Switzerland Colonie Center medical positions such as Radio is no answer, messages can be left Control Board Operator of with Barbara Shields at 445-5634. WAMC. NEXUS, October, 1978 Page 5 Path grades changed

By PAUL Z. SIEGEL When the grades for last spring’s 100 exam indicate that the caliber of Pathology 100 course (Pathology 100 student at AMC is on the decline? Not. 3 GOOD, accounts for 20 percent of the entire necessarily. Although comparison to Pathology course which is divided previous classes is made there are between the first and second years) were nonetheless a couple of intangibles tabulated 40 percent of the class fell into involved in assigning grades. For one the “U” category. Pathology is one of the thing, the majority of test questions are courses graded on the “criterion grading not geared for rigorous statistical SOUND system”. This means that the range of comparison; the examination of gross raw scores which will correspond to each pathological specimens, microscopic of the grading categories is set in slides, and the essay portions of the test advance, i.e. there is no curve. The spirit all involved a subjective component behind the system is to focus students’ which defies precise assessment of their concerns on mastering the course degree of difficulty. As Dr. Scott says REASONS material and to downplay competition. “It may have just been a hard test. 1 •Dr. R. Foster Scott, Professor of don’t know.” As a matter of fact, the Pathology and organizer of the class performance on the multiple choice Pathology course, felt it was part of the test (the only section which inappropriate for 40 percent of the class can be studied with statistical rigor) was to receive a “U” and raised the socres so up to previous standards. FORYOU as to yield a more conventional There is one more possible distribution of E’s, G’s, P’s, and U’s. explanation for the low grades. The first- Criterion grading has been in effect in year schedule was modified last year so Pathology for some six years now, that the Pathology 100 exam was course standards being derived from the administered during the same week as performance of previous classes. While the final exams in two major courses this is not the first time that grades have Pharmacology and Gross Anatomy. It TO JOIN been raised, the number of points added may simply be that Pathology is to each student’s score this time was suffering from heightened competition. greater than ever before. In any case Dr. Scott isn’t alarmed. Students on the Downslide? Unless the decline in performance continues through the next two or 3 Does the poor performance of last years no plans to alter the course will be considered. THE AMA year’s freshman class on the Pathology Effective Representation There may have been times when you’ve encountered te u ia A t's© ? ic t CREAM problems with your institution, or you’ve wanted to see S changes or improvements in your curriculum, or in patient care, or in health care delivery. But where could you go for DROP IN FOR OUR WEEKLY SPECIALS AND OUR help with your problem or to get a hearing for your ideas? REGULAR LOW PRICES There really wasn’t any place. But now there is: For students, its the AMA Student 261 New Scotland Ave. - 5 minute walk from AMC! Business Section (SBS); for residents, the AMA Resident Physician Section (RPS). They are your representative as­ semblies through which the AMA and its resources are For the ridiculously low sum directed to the problems you and your colleagues wish to of SI, the Nexus will print 20 have addressed. Through the SBS and RPS delegates in words. Place your ad in the the AMA House of Delegates, students and residents have following categories and send it to David Reino, Business direct input and participation in AMA policy-making. Manager: Apartments, On the Market, Services, Help EARN Wanted, Personals. MONEY The Nexus seeks to be Membership Benefits entirely supported by Your membership provides a broad range of professional advertising. as well as personal benefits. Those of particular impor­ /V\ The ads that appear on M cDonald's these pages provide a service tance are: ® to readers, not only by supply­ • JAMA, American Medical News, and one of nine spe­ ing information about cialty journals available goods and services • Low-cost insurance programs—group life, excess major Are You Experiencing A but by providing you with a free newspaper. To achieve medical, disability, accidental death and dismember­ Mac ™ Attack? 100 percent funding by ment, and supplement in-hospital insurance advertisers, we must continual­ • AMA Physicians’ Placement Service If so, clip the coupon below and ly recruit them. • Starting your practice workshops, negotiations seminars Anyone providing The bring it to McDonald’s® of Holland Nexus with an advertiser will Avenue. receive a commission of 10 percent of the price of the ad. McDonald’s® Big Mac™ Inform prospective advertisers that 2,000 copies of this paper "-Buy One, Get One are distributed to the students faculty, and staff of the Special Dues F r e e ; Albany Medical College and Recognizing the financial burdens you already carry, the its affiliated hospitals. Have AMA established special reduced membership dues. Stu­ i l l 1' ' ' the advertisers contact the Advertising Managers, Steve dents may join for only $15, residents for $35. (Regular and Debbie Kaufman. AMA dues are $250.) Join today. The AMA needs and The rate schedule is wants your membership, input, and participation. $3.50 per column inch (80 column inches per page); 'A page — $70; ‘/8 page — $35; 1/16 page $17.50. Large ad discounts: Vi page — $120; full page — $200. Multiple ad discounts: 10 percent off above 40 column Dept, of Membership Development p 100% beef patties, Offer expires inches; 20 percent off above American Medical Association sharp American cheese, Oct. 23,1978 60 column inches. lettuce, pickles, onions, 535 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610 All advertisements are subject and Limit one per per­ to approval by the Editorial McDonald's® special son per visit. Board. □ Please send me more information sauce served on a light­ ly toasted, triple decker Operator: For reim­ There are special restrictions on □ YES, I wish to join the AMA. Enclosed is my check sesame seed bun. Truly bursement, send to ads placed pharmaceutical com­ (payable to the AMA) for $______panies; no individual drugs may a meal disguised as a above named res­ I am □ a student □ a resident sandwich. taurant. be advertised (ads must be kept general) and an individual com­ Courtesy of McDonaldV of Name- Holland Avenue pany may purchase no more than 31 Holland Avenue one page per issue. There will be Albany New York 12208 no advertising of tobacco Address- Offer good only at above named restaurant. products. City/State/Zip. Page 6 NEXUS,'October; 1978

Dr. Eckert is presently an mislocation problem. In countries Dr. Eckert active consultant to four area with fewer general surgeons, Dr. Ennka IGikr Sain hospitals, AMC, Ellis, St. Peters, Eckert emphatically states, “The speaks and the VA hospital. He population is being deprived of participates in grand rounds, and surgical corrective therapy. Take Continued from p.2. maintains a close teaching as an example a patient with a rapport with the house staff and Stickerlessly obvious However, Dr. Eckert reiterates hernia living in England. The time general service staff. He stresses that “alternations in curriculum required for him to get into a By DAVID LIVINGSTON that his colleagues recognize him are not evident in individuals” hospital and have an operation is There is a saying that the world deprivation as all my fault and as a general surgeon. He does somewhere in the neighborhood and that overall, the student possess a sharp, focalized interest is divided between the Haves and ceased providing me with room today is adequately prepared in of five years. A patient should not in cancer surgery, and was indeed the Have-nots, with the majority and board when I went home. My the clinical sciences to make a have to wait five years for repair offered a position as Chief of of humanity falling in the latter rent checks were sluggish to fine physician. of an abnormality that can be life category. Being of the privileged absent in arriving and I just Surgery at Deerfield Hospital in threatening”. Medicine was still in its infancy New York City, associated with few enrolled in a medical school barely survived eviction from my in the 1950’s as Dr. Eckert was POLITICS IN MEDICINE Columbia Presbyterian Medical in this country and being allowed apartment because of rent default. completing his post-graduate Turning to the political Center. He claimed that he was to compile 50,000 plus dollars in None of this had any effect on the training. After receiving involvement in the medical debt upon graduation, it would cold cruel hearts in the bookstore. not an oncologist, and preferred management of patients, Dr. additional background in a one- to remain a clinician and seem that we are members of the I tried everything. Breaking into year internship in medicine, he Eckert senses a lurking evil instructor in St. Louis. Today, he exclusive Have category. But an upperclass-person’s car to entered his surgical residency well behind those bureaucrats’ there remains one facet of life at remove their sticker (the glue emphasized that “there is a statutes. The escalating costs and aware of the limitations in AMC denied to us that is open to makes this impossible). Combing tendency to fragment surgery into unnecessary procedures can only medical care. Just to cite a few of the most common freshman going other medical college stickers with finer and finer specialties, which be controlled and dissolved by the major examples: to Fredonia. They have stickers SUNY Albany stickers. Nothing is retrogressive.” “us”, the,; very medical personnel -Few effective therapeutic for their cars and we don’t. worked — but my mother started MALDISTRIBUTION IN that order lab tests and portable agents had been developed in this This lack became even more to forgive me and I was allowed SURGERY X-rays and so forth. “This is era. Syphillis was treated with apparent to me when I was home under the European plan In response to the public nothing a politician can add to. heavy metals. Digitalis alleviated driving through New York during (Modified American Plan on opinion that there are too many They are making regulations cardiac failure patients. The only summer vacation. Cars passed me holidays). surgeons in the country doing too about Medical patients in antimicrobial agents that attacked having stickers from colleges and I am now convinced that the many unnecessary operations, Dr. reference to how long they can be infection were the sulfanilamide universities from all fifty states; alleged order for more stickers Eckert quickly notes that the in the hospital before they’re group and quinine used to treat New Mexico School of Mining was not (and never will be) quality of surgery at AMC is operated on. Obviously, for malaria. and Rocks, University of placed. To quote something quite high, and that he doesn’t anybody to make an arbitrary -Renal dialysis was still to be Istambul, Beaver College, and a stupid, “I’m mad as hell and I’m believe there was an unneeded statement that this should not developed. Brown sticker that should have not going to take it anymore”. operation at AMC in his past 22 exceed one day is ridiculous. But -Thoracic surgery was well gotten a ticket for obstructed The time for action is at hand. If years here. He does offer that’s exactly what the politicians advanced but had high mortality vision (as well as being the entire Albany Medical College comment in this present dilemma. in this state have said. Surgeons rates due to secondary infection. disgustingly ostentious). All of community would pass through “Ideally, the ultimate would be and surgery have been lambasted -Cardiac surgery was still a these people riding merrily on the bookstore at least once a day not to need surgeons at all. From rather unjustly.” dream-mitral stenosis repair had their way laughing at me for the and ask for a sticker they may what we can see (in cancer In closing, in response to a been attempted but with little nakedness of my back window. 1 start to take notice; and if this research), there will still be a question posed by our own success. vowed revenge, but deep down 1 comes to nought cash should no place for surgery and for surgeons editor-in-chief, Dr. Eckert -Infectious disease was knew it was futile. longer be used in the bookstore. in treatment of cancers. First of envisioned the Cabinet post held prevalent: diptheria, typhoid In the one year, three months, Everything that is bought should all, I don’t think that all cancers at the Department of HEW too fever, TB, and scarlet fever were and handful of days 1 have been be charged. One candy bar, are preventable, but once massive for one person to manage seen, and yet six years later, the at AMC the only sticker 1 have cookies, those cute little knick- established, the cure rate should effectively. He strongly advised number of infectious cases seen in the bookstore has been knacks, a single index card. Think be vastly greater, than it is today that a separate official with decreased to a point where affixed to the underside of the of the mountain of charges that for our more frequent cancers. cabinet standing hold office in specialized infectious disease glass counter. The original reason would ensure. A morass of There will continue to be a need each of the subdivisions of health, hospitals had to close down due 1 tried to purchase a sticker was memos. A plethora of paperwork. for surgical removal. This is education, and welfare. to their lack of use. that my mother wanted one to If the bookstore still continues to called “debulking” of cancer. Dr. Eckert, a man of many -Varicose veins were show the community that her son fail in its promise of stickers it “For example, one of the talents and interests. still is an treatable, and the post-phlebitic was in medical school and not simply proves that it is totally hopeful areas of therapy is avid sports enthusiast. He enjoys patient could be managed, but no destined for driving a truck or unresponsive to our needs, and immunotherapy, which is golt, swimming, and squash. As a procedures existed for other such occupation. 1 was told the only sensible solution would effective only against minimal man of 64, he plays a helluva reconstructive arterial surgery. that the bookstore was out of be its demolition and subsequent cancers and minimal volumes of game of squash as long as the cancer.” 1 doubt surgery will be a them and they were being replacement with a combination opponent “plays on my terms; as thing of the past in our lifetime.” ordered. That was over a year bowling alley, pool hall, pizza soon as you feel tired, you quit.” 1 The former department chief parlor, and chapel. believe that is probably one of the ago. My mother perceived this sees a maldistribution syndrome few times you will hear this developing in various areas of distinguished professor, and Orchestra surgery, where there exists more indeed, honorable man use the physicians than needed to provide word “quit”. I invite you to stroll essential quality care to patients. up to the sixth floor in the ME reconvenes In this category, Dr. Eckert lists building, and introduce yourself neurosurgery and cardiac surgery. to one of those men and women According to the statistics Bj STEVEN KORNBLUTH who made AMC what it is today. The second season of the AMC indicative of surgical Chamber Music Players has requirements in this country, opened with more opportunities there is not an overabundance of for vocalists and instrumentalists general surgeons, but merely a to enjoy musical performance with others. The goal of the organization is to serve as a central office of NEXT NEXUS DEADLINE information for people interested IS EXTENDED TO NOV. 3,1978 in contacting other musicians and to arrange small to large performing ensembles in classical music, rock, or jazz. The AMC Chamber Orchestra is at the core of musical activity with numerous smaller groups, including string quartets, piano quintets, flute and piano sonatas, harp and voice, and others. In addition, soloists on piano, Phone 482-4688 guitar, voice have participated. This year a choral group under the director of Ned Doucet has „ \r>®. o . * ”;. ^ ..we * o ® - * '\ — v * 6® been formed and other smaller ^ o' sc °"’0 o' ®oS vocal ensembles are in the works. oo»T ' At our inception, we were the “Closet” musicians but in May of last year, the first AMC Chamber Music Player’s recital was given sheehy & cahill to a full house in the small auditorium of the CDPC. The interest engendered there tempted us to try even more events for this year. We are planning one or two Guild Opticians recitals this year, ong in December and one in May. In Eye Physicians’ Prescriptions Filled addition, smaller concerts at more Contact Lenses frequent intervals are being planned. Also, noon “jam sessions” to be held in the student lounge will be informal, sight reading sessions of vocal and/or 29 New Scotland Ave. instrumental music with different groups each time. Albany, New York Anyone who would like more 12208 information can contact either Steve Kornbluth, AMC Box 73 or Dr. Alan Miller, M S-114, ext. 5634. NEXUS, October, 1978 Page 7

Graduate studies ANASTOMOTIC AGNOSIA

Continued from p.4. I 2 3 6 . 7 8 9 10 '11 Evaluation of Students teaching in laboratories and program is designed to maintain 4 Some of the first recitation sessions, to organize a broad exposure so that 12 accomplishments were to design ^e serninar series of invited students can apply the scientific . approiTrlate"methods' to "select scientists, and to attend nat:national method to a variety of problems I5 and evaluate students in the meetings and seminars. The and remain flexible throughout graduate program. Dr. Caliguiri faculty maintains open their education. This aspect of £ 19 envisions the selection procedure communication channels with the the program is consistent with a £ as “a process to obtain student members in order to national study by the Glaser g ■ 1 individuals who are highly promote mutual enrichment. All Committee which found that 40 in­ motivated to a- career in formalIormal faculty meetings are percent of persons with a Ph.D. v ' research”. Evaluation of the attended by an elected student work in areas outside their area !•: 24 selected microbiology graduate representative who carries the of training. To this end, the J; student can be categorized into 2 student voice and vote regarding courses in microbiology and S 30 broad areas. First, cognitive all department activities. Dr. immunology include broad concepts from fundamental skills are evaluated during the Caliguiri believes that “in this ■fj first two years while completing wa}'’ t*le Pr°gram ,s improved contempory literature. For this the required core curriculum. and . additionally the student reason, this department has 5 ■ m This evaluation culminates in a 3 obtains a sense of responsibility extensively developed graduate $• 37 day written qualifying t0 the institutional commitments courses at the basic, examination given during the by participating in the committee intermediary, and advanced 42 \ student’s second summer. One structure . This philosophy is a levels that are offered over the entire day is devoted to direct extension of Dr. Caliguiri s entire year. The department 45 examination in each of 3 areas: personal experience since as a strongly supports the need for a $ bacteriology, immunology, and post-doctoral fellow, (he) learned graduate school curriculum since :jj virology. The second broad area as much from the graduate the graduate student requires an >;j 48 of evaluation involves practical students and other fellows as in-depth knowledge of scientific approach and is from ^e faculty . He has microbiology and immunology ?:• evaluated during 3 laboratory observed other research due to the nature of the subject research rotations completed programs that although were material and the requirement of ACROSS DOWN during the first year. This productive, became stagnant due the student to be broadly jjj 1. ______. Blast 1. The King evaluation assumes a formal t0 t*le absence of graduate educated. 5. When you’re out of this, 2. Mystery nature at the oral qualifying students. He added, “A source of Goals & Plans you’re out of it 3. Ledge 12. ______the influence examination and then continues new ,ldeas and enthusiasm is Future developments in the 4. Inhale again 14. Indian tribe throughtout the thesis research essential to any program that graduate program are primarily 6. Provide food for 15. Shortstop makes play until graduation. expects to advance science. For to include 3 major efforts. First, ;$ 7. Calculator brand on ground ball A unique feature of the newly example, a noticible stimulation an increase in the department’s £ 8. Auchenia 17. Only designed program is the breadth was evident in the working involvement in post-doctoral >:• 9. Water rock 18. World travelers miss it? of exposure for every student. As atmosphere when in 1955 The training is already in progress. 10. Miles in a league Dr. Caliguiri explained, “the Rockefeller Research Institute Recently, Dr. Jean Regal joined (------E) 11. Catch some______: program was purposely designed realized this necessity and began Dr. Richard Pickering to develop >•: 19. High hand take a nap 20. Morning for a small number of students in educating graduate students to her training in immunology while 13. Caviar order to promote wide and become The Rockefeller applying her edu cation in ;$ 21. Bungle 16. Not new 23. Famous Scottish extensive contact with many University. He envisions pharmacology. In the near ij: 20. Period College (abbr.) faculty members”. graduate studies as a unique future, additional fellows are 22. Paddle a boat 24. Hooked a large fish “opportunity to dream and learn expected to join the department. 25. $100 is one 27. One of the heavenly bodies Student Participation without constraints.”. The The fellows should further £• 26. And others 30. Behind The microbiology graduate program was designed to provide stimulate research activity and $ 28. Women’s magazine 31. Candies student is an integral and active this opportunity and additionally benefit both the graduate :|; 29. Home of the Trojans 33. To member of the department. As to teach the student the scientific students and the faculty. The 31. Slide 34. 31 st state part of their education, students method, approaches in second area of development will 32. Danish import? actively participate in formal researching a problem, how to • increase cooperative clinical 36. Local rot-gut 33. Heart chamber combining 37. Betting places department research programs, formulate . questions, experi­ research. This will add a clinical $: form 39. Large Robert informal discussion sessions, mental design, and how to dimension to the research in the S 35. On fire (poetic) 42. Solo song journal clubs, and they help critically evaluate results with the department in the broad area of 37. Stomach muscles (abbr.) 43. Rose to dance design courses. Opportunities are guidance of established the immune response to 38. Common gals 45. The Champagne provided to participate in investigators. Furthermore, the infectious agents such as viruses 40. Good till cancelled (abbr.) 47. Colorado Kool-aid and bacteria. The third area of 41. Woodwind 48. Canadian imports development will involve ;i 44. Addendums to a letter 49. Big containers AMC Dictionary increasing the exposure of $: 46. Early or Primeval prefix FOCAL PROBLEMS IN MEDICINE: Course introduced at AMC graduate students to teaching :j: under pressure from the ophthalmology department stressing the situations. It is felt that since importance of regular eye checkups and promoting the sales of contact many Ph.D. graduates will spend !:* Solution to last month’s cross* lenses. a portion of their time teaching, $$ word puzzle: it is necessary to develop more i . 2 4 5 * 1 7 K 9 r<> - ii HUYCK AUDITORIUM: Lecture hall constructed in memory of an extensive education in this area. £ A K K. a r> / 2- A i.i KEY will be found in the illustrious AMC alumnus who went on to pursue a glorious career in With this goal in mind, various ‘/ i A / A O B- /e K A u the Blue Note Record Shop, *) A 0 * // 156 Central Ave., Albany. TOMSABA (pronounced t5m-sah-bah): Chief of an ancient Indian 40 41 44 4S 4(< F C A - T £ /S? tribe known to have tortured its apprenticed medicine men. makes £ 4H $0 u A' A 6 i ) A> / /y } 0 i 51 i ; H NEXUS: Word appearing at the top of the first page of 2,000 neatly a ' c 6 j T C- L. e // a ! folded, obviously unread newpapers reported by the Albany headlines! Department of Sanitation to have inundated the city landfill late last month. RUGBY TEAM BLASTS OFF By ARTHUR W. PERRY By JACQUES VAN RYN

The AMC Rugby team began Rugby originated in the British The Albany Medical News, its I4th season of play against the Isles and is played around the student newspaper of the Albany Berkshire Rugby Club. The world. In this country, it is Medical College made headlines team, which is the oldest rugby gaining in popularity and is today. Three students gathered club in the area, is composed of expanding from its traditional around a small, dusty room as medical students and other club play. Associate Editor Paul Z. Siegel members of the AMC The game involves fast action, HE banged away with a ball-peen community. Headed by Brian adept kicking, and hard tackling. hammer and finished his first Sinead, the club begins the new Following each game, both teams headline. season with optimism following and fans ret ire'to a local tavern UTTER/ Siegel, a second-year student an 8-8 record last year. to “hoist a few” and sine at the college, had been working traditional rugby songs. 205 New Scotland Ave. on the headline for three months Albany, NY now and was literally exhausted AMC FALL RUGBY SCHEDULE C5183 4 S 2 0 4 6 3 i f from the project. “That's true," Date Opponent Place said Siegel, “but I cannot wait to Sept. 30 Berkshire Westland Hills Hair Styling for M e n start on my second one!" Park (Albany) Headlines, as many know, are Oct. 7 Plattsburgh Away made of poured steel and arc- Oct. 14 Union College Away & W o men. shaped by a series of intricate Oct. 21 Albany Law School Lincoln Park manipulations. A skilled worker Oct. 28 Williams College Away can manufacture about one per Nov. 11 “7’s” Tournament Lincoln Park Bonnie Shaver day. AH games start at I:30 p.m.. with parties following the games. All members of the AMC community are welcome to attend the games and party with the rugby team. Page 8 NEXUS, October, 1978 Freshman display diversity The birth of H.E.W. By ANNE E.SIERK Continued from Page 1 In 1934, Dr. Harvey Cushing, National Cancer Act of 1937, Medical Administration, which The school year is well under bring RPI’s total to 30. The Professor of Surgery at Harvard was passed. This program way, and the long-term residents remainder of students come from would include the PHS, the Medical School and a leader in provided financial grants for Veterans’ Administration (VA), of AMC are trying to figure out seven colleges that sent two each, the AMA, wrote President cancer and related research. It who all the new faces are. Nine of and 51 schools with single and the continental hospitals of Roosevelt advising him to form a paved the way for exponential the armed forces, was suggested. these faces belong to transfer acceptances. department of public health increases in research for many This proposal was soundly students from foreign medical New Class Rates High which would coordinate infant years following World War II. defeated by political opponents. schools. Perhaps you’ve also met The freshmen themselves are welfare and the Children’s Massive reorganization took As a compromise, Hoover and recognized some of the probably most curious about how Bureau, old age insurance, the place in 1939* as the FDA, the proposed the establishment of a others; but what is the first year their class stacks up academically. veterans’ hospitals, vital Children’s Bureau, the Health Policy Committee which class as a whole? As the Class of The average GPA’s for both statistics, the administration of Rehabilitation Services would include the Surgeons 1982 was appraised on the first regular and Biomed students are the Food and Drugs Act, and the Administration, the Social General of the Army, Navy, Air day of their orientation, they are 3.48 overall, 3.45 Science, and Public Health and Marine Security Administration, and Force, PHS, and the Chief similar in many ways to the 3.48 Math. The average scores in Hospital Services. Roosevelt several agencies concerned with Medical Director of the VA. No classes that have preceded them. the six sub-score areas of the agreed with Cushing’s plan, but education were joined together to superstructure would be The entering class size of 128 is MCAT are: Biology — 9, felt that the political climate form the Federal Security constructed, but policy would be the same as in 1976 and 1977. A Chemistry — 10, Physics — 10, would not permit such a Agency. This early effort in coordinated. Again, this idea precedent the freshman class has Science Problems — 10, Reading proposal. joining health, education, and failed. Throughout that period, the set is with the number 28. This is — 10, and Quantitative — 10. welfare did not meet the By this time, public interest in PHS was actively engaged in the number of Biomed students The class of 1982 is the first group approval of the AMA, however, health, education, and welfare research on’ communicable from RPI, women in the class, that took the new MCAPs and as they soon launched another had grown to a point where the diseases first in New York and and non-residents of New York these scores cannot be related effort to attain a secretary of establishment of a cabinet level then in the Hygiene Laboratory State. Hopefully this trend won’t directly to past years. health. position for these human carry over as the average on their in Washington, D.C. The The government was not Analysis of admissions data is a concerns was considered laboratory’s name was changed satisfied either. In 1949, the first Physiology exam! complicated procedure. There are politically feasible. Thus, in 1953, to the National Institute of Hoover Commission on the The admissions’ office staff, many variables involved and time the Department of Health, Health (NIH) in 1930 and eight Organization of the Executive though already inundated with is needed to evaluate trends at Education, and Welfare (HEW), years later it moved to its present Branch of Government pointed applications for next year, helped AMC as they relate to nationwide a direct descendent of the piece together this academic site in Bethesda, Maryland. Thus out that most of the government Federal Security Agency, was trends. Dr. Horn pointed out that towards the end of the early profile of the new class. Graduate agencies conducted medical born. the number of applications to childhood stage of social and activities of one type or another. work has been done by 18 medical school has fallen The current status of HE W next members of the class, with several health policy, the government The various departments had nationally and AMC’s application was involved in limited public different policies and competed month. masters degrees and at least one total of 3,482, down from the year PhD completed. A large portion health measures, medical with each other for personnel. before, may be related to this research, food and drugs The formation of a United of the 100 students who are not pattern. Also mentioned was that Biomeds are recent recipients of regulation, and the medical care enrollment of minority students a t' of the armed forces, the undergraduate degrees. This past Albany Med has increased. spring 58 students completed their merchant seamen, and veterans. TACO J’s Though rising GPA’s also reflect Sociomedical policy reached studies and there were 19 who grade inflation, Dr. Horn feels graduated in 1977. the pre-adolescence period with “a leetle taste of Mexico” that the new class is more the establishment of the Social Meat and Meatless Dishes Prepared 67 Schools Represented academically aware and better Security Administration (SSA) in The colleges that granted these socially prepared than classes in 1935. This Act, prompted by the We Serve CAL-TEX FOOD degrees are mostly in the the past. depression, provided for Not Too Hot. . . Not Too Spicy Northeast. The four SUNY’s top More detailed information on survivors, old-age, and disability all Hot Sauces served separately the list of student contributions, the Class of 1982 is in insurance. Maternal and child 577 NEW SCOTLAND AVENUE, ALBANY totaling 18, with several schools computerized depths and is not health care as well as state public (Opposite St. Peter’s Hospital) adding three members each to the available for analysis. The 1977- health programs were included in 438-7073 Freshman class: Colgate, Cornell, 78 admissions year was formally this plan. Tues., Wed., S*t. 11 - 8 — Thurs., Fri. 11-9, Sun. 3 - 8 Fordham, MIT, and Union. Of closed only on Sept. 21, ten class Two years later, one of the course credit has to be given to days after the beginning of the most important advances in the the contingent of Biomeds who year- The cycle now repeats. funding of medical research, the

By HAYAT ABUZA F Your FUTURE is a phone call away. ] What may be the best food a cheap sign. The inside is modest L value for the money in Albany and it feels a little like a Jewish Whether you’re still in Medical School or turns out to be the Kosher Pizza diner. You place your order at the A and Felafel Restaurant run by a counter and then browse around Internship/ Residency, the NAVY has a future for you local Chasidic group at 483 the bulletin board and the Jewish V Washington St. (near N. Lake). novelties for sale — greeting cards There are no frills in atmosphere and gifts for your grandmother in ★★★★ ★★ ★★ ★ O or service, but the kosher food Americanized Yiddish. A small costs little and has lots of soul. library is browsable and contains R For .90 you can have the house books on the Bible as well as the SCHOLARSHIPS special, a felafel — deep-fried Jewish Yellow Pages. Your order F spicy chickpea balls with lettuce (served on paper plates) will be and tahini (sesame seed sauce) in ready in 2-15 minutes, and it may If you are still in school, you may be U F whole wheat or regular pita come out in stages. Next to the bread. Half a felafel at .45 is napkin holder on your table you eligible for a NAVY scholarship. L A enough for many people. may sometimes find a circular . Another specialty is pizza, explaining this week’s Torah Applications received by 30 Nov. 78 S again whole wheat or regular. By portion or local Jewish F the slice, its .55 and extra large community activities. are eligible for tax exempt status T with the works is $5. Middle Among your fellow diners you O Eastern hummus (mashed will see people of all ethnic and religious persuasions, including O seasoned chickpeas) in pita bread is $1.25. Also available are small long-haired students and ★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★★ ★ salads, tuna salad, egg salad, politicians from the Statehouse. D cider, herb tea, soda, and juices. Kosher Pizza and Felafel at The kosher Pizza and Felafel is 465-5638 is open Mon. through located in a small storefront with Thursday 4-11 pm, Sat. night 8-1, and Sunday 1-9 pm. INTERNSHIP/RESIDENCY

Direct appointment as a physician and an officer on the number ONE military medical team. U. S. NAVY MEDICAL CORPS

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For further information contact: Lt. Kathy Hargis, NC, USN Medical Programs Leo W. O’Brien Federal Bldg. Albany, New York 12207 Phone: 518-472-4424