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U Chicago Brain Surgery Program on Probation A Univ. of Chicago Med Center program that trains doctors in brain surgery has been placed on two-year probation by a national accreditation group. Chicago-based ACGME wouldnâ??t identify eason for placing UCâ??s neurosurgery training program on probati Crains Chicago Business, July 02, 2009
Medicare May Shuffle the Deck on Doctor Payments The agency that runs Medicare suggested making an obscure accounting change that could make it easier for Congress to change how Medicare pays doctors. Wall Street Journal (Public access), July 02, 2009
Durham Braces for a Smaller Duke During the deepest recession in recent memory, even the nation's wealthiest universities are slashing their budgets and producing serious economic consequences for the communities in which they reside. Duke Chronicle, July 02, 2009
LSU Med Center to Pay $700K to Settle Fraud Suit LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport will pay more than $700,000 to settle allegations it defrauded Medicare by billing for medical services that were never provided by teaching physicians, the U.S. Attorney's office here said. KTBS-TV ABC 3 Shreveport, July 02, 2009
Double Standard at Emory? Emory Univ. has been accused repeatedly over the last year of looking other way while one of its prominent physicians built extremely close ties to pharmaceutical industry and, critics charge, failed to adequately report ties as required by univ. & federa Inside Higher Ed, July 01, 2009
Med Center Hires First Institution-Wide CFO Edward G. Chadwick has been selected as executive vice president for finance and chief financial officer of Wake Forest Univ. Baptist Medical Center, a new position created as part of the Medical Center reorganization that began two years ago. Wake Forest Univ Medical Center, July 01, 2009
Alfonso Named Chair of UM's Bascom Palmer Eye Institute For only fifth time in its 47-year history, Univ. of Miami’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute has new chairman. Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D., known for his clinical expertise & research in eye diseases, corneal surgery & ocular microbiology, has been named chair Univ. of Miami - Miller School of Medicine, June 30, 2009
St. Luke's CEO Says He's Stepping Down St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital CEO Dr. David Pate is resigning to head an Idaho health-care system, the Texas Medical Center hospital’s second popular leader to leave in the last four years. Houston Chronicle, June 30, 2009
UF College of Med's F Removed From Scorecard The failing grade UF’s College of Medicine received on a recent American Medical Student Association PharmFree Scorecard is being changed to “in progress.” Independent Florida Alligator Online, June 30, 2009
U of L Neurosurgery Effort OK'd The Univ. of Louisville can continue its neurosurgery training program, which is essential to trauma care at Univ. Hospital, a national accrediting council says. Louisville Courier-Journal, June 30, 2009
UCSD Appoints Founding Chief of New Division of Biomedical Informatics The Univ. of California, San Diego Health Sciences has appointed Lucila Ohno-Machado, MD, PhD, chief of its new Division of Biomedical Informatics in the Department of Medicine. Univ. of California San Diego School of Medicine, June 30, 2009
Doc at Center of VA Cancer Probe Admits Errors A doctor accused of botching dozens of prostate cancer surgeries at a Veterans Administration hospital admitted Monday that he sometimes missed his target when implanting radioactive seeds, leaving patients with incorrect dosages. MSNBC.com, June 29, 2009
Delays for Teaching Hospital Slow Economic Pulse New Orleans wants to build an economic base around the health care industry. That strategy for economic growth has served many rebounding economies quite well and it could work well for us. New Orleans City Business, June 29, 2009
Drug Firms Use Med Staffs for Pitches Pharmaceutical companies are barred by FDA from promoting unapproved drug uses, called off-label use, but they are using employees called "medical science liaisons," who are often physicians and pharmacists, as a legal way to discuss those uses. Wall Street Journal (Public access), June 26, 2009
Levy Named Acting Med Chair at URMC Paul C. Levy, M.D., has been appointed as acting chairman of the Department of Medicine, effective immediately. He will serve in this capacity during Dr. Mark Taubman’s term as acting CEO of URMC. Univ. of Rochester - Medical Center, June 26, 2009
Boston Hospitals Promise Better Accessibility Two major Boston teaching hospitals are pledging to spend millions-of-dollars to make their facilities more accessible and their staff more sensitive to the needs of the disabled. Boston Globe and Boston.com, June 26, 2009
UCSF Children's Hospital Among Nation's Best in 9 Specialties UCSF Children's Hospital has been ranked among nation's best children's hospitals in nine pediatric specialties, making it one of top-ranked facilities in California, according to 2009 "America's Best Children's Hospitals" survey in U.S. News & World Repo Division of General Internal Medicine, June 25, 2009
Med School 'Senioritis' Last March, Washington and Lee Univ.'s Law School dean told Inside Higher Ed that, "We wouldn't dream of training doctors only from a book," as a justification for his then newly unveiled plan to transform the third year of law school with experiential co Inside Higher Ed, June 25, 2009
Renowned Breast Oncologist Heads to USC A national figure in breast cancer research is headed to USC to serve as co-leader of the Women’s Cancer Program at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. Univ. of Southern California (NAC - Front Desk), June 25, 2009
U of L Neurosurgery Program Reaccredited The Univ. of Louisville residency program in neurosurgery has received reaccreditation from the Residency Review Committee of the American Council for Graduate Medical Education. Business First Louisville, June 24, 2009
U.S. Indicts 53 for Medicare Fraud Federal authorities indicted 53 people on Wednesday for schemes to cheat Medicaid out of $50-million. Wall Street Journal (Public access), June 24, 2009
Harvard Staffers Vehemently Criticize Job Cuts Most staff workers had forecasted the news for months, and the unprecedented fiscal slump had left no budget-cutting measure too improbable to consider. Harvard Crimson, June 24, 2009
Harvard U. to Lay Off 275 Harvard Univ. announced this morning that it plans to lay off 275 staff members as the college grapples with budget pressures caused by a precipitous endowment decline. Boston Globe and Boston.com, June 23, 2009 * Registration May Be Required
Kline Named Peds Chair at Baylor; Physician-in-Chief at Texas Children's Dr. Mark Kline, an infectious disease expert, is named chair of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and physician-in-chief at Texas Children's Hospital. He joins President Mark Wallace as co-leader of Texas Children's. DOTmed, June 23, 2009
MGH Cited on Surgeons' Overload Junior surgeons at Massachusetts General Hospital have been working too many hours, in violation of patient safety rules, according to a national accrediting organization that is threatening to put the hospital’s surgery training program on probation. Boston Globe and Boston.com, June 22, 2009 * Registration May Be Required
USF Docs Are Highest-Paid Public Workers Everybody knows the boss is the highest-paid person at Univ. of South Florida, right?Not even close.Neil Fenske, the director of the USF medical school's dermatology department, was by far the univ.'s biggest breadwinner last year, taking in $1.49-mil. Tampa Tribune and TBO.com (Tampa Bay Online), June 22, 2009
U. of I. Med School Gave 2003 Candidate Unfair Advantage Univ. of Illinois College of Medicine officials acknowledged Friday that an unqualified applicant pushed by Trustee Lawrence Eppley received an unfair advantage. Chicago Tribune, June 22, 2009
UF Med School Gets F For Not Responding to COI Survey Univ. of Florida officials were caught by surprise when they received failing grade on new national scorecard measuring how well med schools insulate their students, faculty & doctors from-money, free product samples & other gifts offered by drug companie Gainesville Sun, June 22, 2009
Henrich Named UTHSC President Henrich officially replaces former president Francisco Cigarroa, who was named chancellor of the entire UT System in January. Henrich had been serving as interim president until regents conducted a search for a permanent replacement. Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal, June 19, 2009
Keeton Named Interim Chancellor for Health Affairs at UMMC Keeton replaces Dr. Daniel W. Jones, the former vice chancellor for health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine, who was named as chancellor of the University of Mississippi. The Commercial Dispatch, June 19, 2009
New Doctors, Struggling for Balance Over the next two weeks, new medical school graduates will begin their internship. Among their many worries -moving to a new city, meeting new colleagues, adjusting to medical training - is a more profound, existential concern that had once plagued me. New York Times, June 19, 2009
Medtronic Paid Doc Accused Of False Study Medical device maker Medtronic Inc paid almost $800,000 in consulting fees to a former U.S. Army surgeon accused of fabricating a key study, according to published reports. Yahoo! News, June 18, 2009
Univ. Minnesota Med Dean Resigns Deborah E. Powell, M.D to be Associate Vice President for New Models of Medical Education in AHC Senior Vice President’s office and Dean Emeritus. University of Minnesota, June 18, 2009
How Much Do Rookie Doctors Make? Per MGMA 2008 report, the lowest starting salary was for pediatricians - $132,500. The highest specialty salary was for those starting out in neurological surgery - $605,000. Wall Street Journal, June 18, 2009
UCSF Med School Under Fire From Sen. Grassley Grassley’s comments come in during a continuing feud between UCSF and David Kessler, former dean of its medical school, who earlier headed FDA under President Clinton, over allegations involving the medical school’s financial reporting. Dallas Business Journal, June 18, 2009
Dean Spiegel Appointed by Gov. Paterson to Empire State Stem-Cell Board Funding Committee Allen M. Spiegel, M.D., The Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Dean of Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva Univ, has been appointed by Governor David Paterson to the Empire State Stem Cell Board Funding Committee. Albert Einstein College of Medicine, July 02, 2009
Celebrezze Leaves West Penn for UPMC Colorectal surgeon James Celebrezze has joined the Univ. of Pittsburgh Medical Center effective July 1, the hospital network announced on Wednesday. Pittsburgh Business Times, July 01, 2009
Kaul Appointed Acting Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at URMC Vivek Kaul, M.D., FACG, has been appointed as the acting chief for the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, according to Paul Levy, M.D., Ralph W. Prince Professor and acting chairman of the Department of Medicine at Univ. of Rochester Med Center Univ of Rochester - Medical Center, July 01, 2009
USC Welcomes Oncologist Agus Noted oncologist and cancer researcher David B. Agus was welcomed to the Keck School of Medicine of USC on June 24 at a reception at the home of Robert and Kelly Day, members of the Board of Overseers of the Keck School. Univ. of Southern California , July 01, 2009
Dr. Orrie M. Friedman, 94, Biotech Pioneer Weary of life in western Canada, where he supported himself playing poker after graduating from college, Orrie M. Friedman sneaked a ride on a cattle train to Montreal in 1935. Boston Globe and Boston.com, July 01, 2009 * Registration May Be Required
Top cancer Researcher Named Pharmacology Chair at SUNY Upstate Ziwei Huang, Ph.D., a leading cancer researcher from the Burnham Institute for Medical Research and the Univ. of California at San Diego, has been named professor and chair of the Department of Pharmacology at SUNY Upstate Medical Univ. SUNY Upstate - Medical, July 01, 2009
Alfonso Named Chair of UM's Bascom Palmer Eye Institute For only fifth time in its 47-year history, Univ. of Miami’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute has new chairman. Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D., known for his clinical expertise & research in eye diseases, corneal surgery & ocular microbiology, has been named chair Univ. of Miami - Miller School of Medicine, June 30, 2009
UCSD Appoints Founding Chief of New Division of Biomedical Informatics The Univ. of California, San Diego Health Sciences has appointed Lucila Ohno-Machado, MD, PhD, chief of its new Division of Biomedical Informatics in the Department of Medicine. Univ. of California San Diego School of Medicine, June 30, 2009
Prince Georges Hospital Appoints Griffin Davis ER Head The Prince George’s Hospital Center Emergency Department has announced that Dr. Griffin Davis will serve as chair of the Emergency Department, beginning Wednesday. MSN-Money Central, June 30, 2009
Miller School Names New Chair of Pathology Richard J. Cote, M.D., a nationally recognized expert on the cellular and molecular markers of tumor progression in cancer patients has been named chair of the Department of Pathology at the Univ. of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Univ. of Miami - Miller School of Medicine, June 30, 2009
U Neurobiologist Named as ELAM Fellow SALT LAKE CITY - Monica L. Vetter, Ph.D., professor and interim chair of the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy at the Univ. of Utah School of Medicine, has been selected as one of 53 ELAM Fellows for 2009-2010. Univ. of Utah-University Health Care, June 29, 2009
Fuentes Receives Herbert L. and Margaret W. DuPont Master Clinical Teaching Award Dr. Francisco Fuentes, professor of internal medicine in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, is the recipient of the 2009 Herbert L. and Margaret W. DuPont Master Clinical Teaching Award. Univ. of Texas Medical School at Houston, June 29, 2009
Levy Named Acting Med Chair at URMC Paul C. Levy, M.D., has been appointed as acting chairman of the Department of Medicine, effective immediately. He will serve in this capacity during Dr. Mark Taubman’s term as acting CEO of URMC. Univ. of Rochester - Medical Center, June 26, 2009
UAB’s Owen Named to Harris Endowed Professorship The Univ. of Alabama System Board of Trustees has named John Owen, M.D., M.S.P.H., to the Bruce Harris Jr. Endowed Professorship in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecologyin the School of Medicine at the Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)., June 26, 2009
Incoming Boston Scientific CEO Plans to Diversify Lineup Device maker Boston Scientific’s CEO Jim Tobin is retiring and will be succeeded by Ray Elliott, a former company board member and former CEO of orthopedics company Zimmer Holdings, on July 13, the company announced. Wall Street Journal (Public access), June 26, 2009
Urmy Returns To Oversee Vanderbilt Health Services Norman Urmy, a longtime fixture on Vanderbilt Medical Center's leadership team before retiring two years ago, is returning to oversee the institution's network of health care-related businesses. Vanderbilt Univ. School of Medicine, June 26, 2009
Zhang Appointed to New Role at WUSTL Yi Zhang has been named assistant dean for clinical trials at Washington Univ. School of Medicine in St. Louis effective July 1. Washington Univ. in St. Louis School of Medicine, June 26, 2009
Renowned Breast Oncologist Heads to USC A national figure in breast cancer research is headed to USC to serve as co-leader of the Women’s Cancer Program at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. Univ. of Southern California (NAC - Front Desk), June 25, 2009
A new CEO for Boston Scientific Jim Tobin, chief executive of medical device maker Boston Scientific Corp. is retiring, and will be replaced by Ray Elliott, a 35-year veteran of the healthcare industry. Boston Globe and Boston.com, June 25, 2009 * Registration May Be Required
Dunn named UF's interim chair of anatomy and cell biology Michael L. Good, M.D., interim dean of the College of Medicine, announced the appointment of William A. Dunn Jr., Ph.D., as interim chair of the department of anatomy and cell biology. Univ. of Florida College of Medicine, June 25, 2009
Warner receives professorship named for WUSTL's first female surgeon Brad W. Warner, M.D., a pediatric surgeon whose research and surgical career have focused on improving the lives of children with congenital bowel problems, has been named Jessie L. Ternberg, M.D., Ph.D., Distinguished Professor in Pediatric Surgery at WU Washington Univ. in St. Louis School of Medicine, June 25, 2009
Founding Chair of UM Family Medicine Dies at 80 The Miller School mourns passing of a giant, in light of news that Lynn Carmichael, M.D. -- who created the medical school’s Department of Family Medicine and Community Health & widely renowned as a founding father of family medicine – has died at the Univ. of Miami - Miller School of Medicine, June 24, 2009
Materin Joins Yale as Director of Ocular Oncology Miguel Materin, MD, joined Yale Univ. School of Medicine on January 1, 2009 as Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of Ocular Oncology. Yale Cancer Center, June 24, 2009
Laid Off UTMB-Galveston Faculty Not Having A Lot Of Luck With Appeals The Scientist, a magazine that takes a skeptical look at goings-on in the medical industry, has a new report out on UTMB-Galveston's treatment of faculty in the wake of Hurricane Ike. Houston Press, June 24, 2009
Kline Named Peds Chair at Baylor; Physician-in-Chief at Texas Children's Dr. Mark Kline, an infectious disease expert, is named chair of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and physician-in-chief at Texas Children's Hospital. He joins President Mark Wallace as co-leader of Texas Children's. DOTmed, June 23, 2009
Where Can the Doctor Whos Guided All the Others Go for Help? Psychiatry is a relatively safe profession, but it has a hazard that is not apparent at first glance: if you are in it long enough, there may be no one to talk to about your own problems. New York Times, June 23, 2009 * Registration May Be Required
Crowder named Brown Professor in Anesthesiology at WUSTL C. Michael Crowder, M.D., Ph.D., has been named the Dr. Seymour and Rose T. Brown Professor in Anesthesiology at Washington Univ. School of Medicine in St. Louis. Media-Newswire, June 23, 2009
Moshe Elected President of The International League Against Epilepsy Solomon L. Moshe, M.D., a leading pediatric epilepsy clinician and researcher at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva Univ., will become the new elected President of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). Albert Einstein College of Medicine, June 23, 2009
USF Docs Are Highest-Paid Public Workers Everybody knows the boss is the highest-paid person at Univ. of South Florida, right?Not even close.Neil Fenske, the director of the USF medical school's dermatology department, was by far the univ.'s biggest breadwinner last year, taking in $1.49-mil. Tampa Tribune and TBO.com (Tampa Bay Online), June 22, 2009
Two Downstate Faculty Promoted to Highest SUNY Rank Two faculty physicians at SUNY Downstate Medical Center have been named distinguished professor, the highest academic rank within the State Univ. of New York. Edmund Bourke, MD, has been named distinguished teaching professor, and Carl I. Cohen, MD State Univ. of New York Downstate Medical Center, June 22, 2009
Henrich Named UTHSC President Henrich officially replaces former president Francisco Cigarroa, who was named chancellor of the entire UT System in January. Henrich had been serving as interim president until regents conducted a search for a permanent replacement. Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal, June 19, 2009
Keeton Named Interim Chancellor for Health Affairs at UMMC Keeton replaces Dr. Daniel W. Jones, the former vice chancellor for health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine, who was named as chancellor of the University of Mississippi. The Commercial Dispatch, June 19, 2009
New Doctors, Struggling for Balance Over the next two weeks, new medical school graduates will begin their internship. Among their many worries -moving to a new city, meeting new colleagues, adjusting to medical training - is a more profound, existential concern that had once plagued me. New York Times, June 19, 2009
New UMHS Leader Faces Financial Challenge Unlike several other hospitals in the state, U.Mich. Health System ended its fiscal year in the black, but it has still been battered by the state's lagging economy. Ann Arbor News, June 19, 2009
Northwestern Med Dean Honored for Endocrine Research J. Larry Jameson, M.D., vice president for medical affairs and Lewis Landsberg Dean of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, has received the Fred Conrad Koch Award, the highest honor bestowed by The Endocrine Society. Northwestern University, June 19, 2009
Two UAMS Eye Doctors Receive Chairs Richard Harper, M.D., received the Sally McSpadden Boreham Chair in Ophthalmology, and Paul Phillips, M.D., received the Stella Boyle Smith/Gissur J. Petursson, M.D., Chair in Ophthalmology. University of Arkansas, June 19, 2009
Dr. Head To Chair AMA Council On Science & Public Health Dr. Alvin Head, Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine, has been elected Chair of the American Medical Association's Council on Science and Public Health. Media-Newswire, June 19, 2009
U.Va. Researcher Is Named a 2009 Pew Scholar in Biomedical Sciences Kevin Janes, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Virginia, is one of 17 researchers to be selected as a 2009 Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences by the Pew Charitable Trusts. Media-Newswire, June 19, 2009
Univ. Minnesota Med Dean Resigns Deborah E. Powell, M.D to be Associate Vice President for New Models of Medical Education in AHC Senior Vice President’s office and Dean Emeritus. University of Minnesota, June 18, 2009
Morehouse Med School Names CFO/SVP Morehouse School of Medicine today announced that Donnetta S. Butler will assume the post of chief financial officer and senior vice president for administration July 1, 2009. Morehouse School of Medicine, June 18, 2009
Children's Hospital Boston Ranks First in 3 Specialty. Children's Hospital Boston has been ranked first in Heart and Heart Surgery, Neurology and Neurosurgery and Orthopedics in the U.S. News Media Group's 2009 edition of America's Best Children's Hospitals. Forbes.com, June 18, 2009
Howard Hospital to Open Free Clinic for the Poor Howard University Hospital is offering free medical treatment starting today for low-income uninsured patients in a new clinic on the first floor of the hospital. The New Freedmen's Clinic will be run, staffed and funded by medical students. Washington Post, June 18, 2009
UA College of Medicine Receives $2M Gift The Univ. of Arizona College of Medicine has received a $2-million gift from the Benjamin S. and Estella C. Hill Foundation to fund scholarships for medical students. Univ. of Arizona College of Medicine, July 01, 2009
Walmart Foundation Gives $1M to UAMS Satellite Campus Preparations for medical and pharmacy students at the Univ. of Arkansas for Medical Sciencesâ?? (UAMS) satellite campus in Fayetteville received a boost today with a $1-million grant from the Walmart Foundation. KARK/Arkansas Matters, June 26, 2009
Teaching Hospitals and Administration
U Chicago Brain Surgery Program on Probation A Univ. of Chicago Med Center program that trains doctors in brain surgery has been placed on two-year probation by a national accreditation group. Chicago-based ACGME wouldnâ??t identify eason for placing UCâ??s neurosurgery training program on probati Crains Chicago Business, July 02, 2009
Durham Braces for a Smaller Duke During the deepest recession in recent memory, even the nation's wealthiest universities are slashing their budgets and producing serious economic consequences for the communities in which they reside. Duke Chronicle, July 02, 2009
UF Interim Med Dean Gives Academic Review Plus New Year Resolutions The College of Medicine is the most research-intensive college in one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive institutions of higher learning, and our research faculty continues to increase the scope, impact, and value of our research portfolio. Univ of Florida College of Medicine, July 02, 2009
SHHS Joins Johns Hopkins Medicine Ahead of schedule, officials of Suburban Hospital Healthcare System & Johns Hopkins Health System Corporation completed & signed documents on June 30, 2009, officially integrating Montgomery Co.-based SHHS into Johns Hopkins Health System (JHHS). Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, July 02, 2009
Double Standard at Emory? Emory Univ. has been accused repeatedly over the last year of looking other way while one of its prominent physicians built extremely close ties to pharmaceutical industry and, critics charge, failed to adequately report ties as required by univ. & federa Inside Higher Ed, July 01, 2009
Med Center Hires First Institution-Wide CFO Edward G. Chadwick has been selected as executive vice president for finance and chief financial officer of Wake Forest Univ. Baptist Medical Center, a new position created as part of the Medical Center reorganization that began two years ago. Wake Forest Univ Medical Center, July 01, 2009
GI Oncology Group Honored for Outstanding Patient Care Members of UCSF’s Gastrointestinal (GI) Oncology group are the inaugural recipients of the Helen Diller Family Quality Award, an honor that recognizes exceptional commitment to providing superior patient care. "Univ of California, San Francisco", July 01, 2009
A Disconnect on Health Care Overhaul There appears to be a substantial disconnect between what the still-undefined health care overhaul plan working its way through Congress is likely to cost and what Americans say they are willing to pay for and use. Wall Street Journal (Public access), July 01, 2009
St. Luke's CEO Says He's Stepping Down St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital CEO Dr. David Pate is resigning to head an Idaho health-care system, the Texas Medical Center hospital’s second popular leader to leave in the last four years. Houston Chronicle, June 30, 2009
U of L Neurosurgery Effort OK'd The Univ. of Louisville can continue its neurosurgery training program, which is essential to trauma care at Univ. Hospital, a national accrediting council says. Louisville Courier-Journal, June 30, 2009
State Suggests Making Hospital Independent of LSU State Health Secretary Alan Levine, speaking after the Louisiana State Univ. System Board of Supervisors last week rejected a teaching hospital deal he helped negotiate, floated the idea of a medical center that is not legally affiliated with the school a New Orleans Times-Picayune & Nola.com, June 30, 2009
Beth Israel Deaconess Sketches Budget Plan for Next Year Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center expects to break even at the end of the current fiscal year while it looks for leaner measures to weather the next one, according to its CEO. Boston Globe and Boston.com, June 30, 2009
Mercy Medical Center and UCSF collaborate to improve cancer care Mercy Medical Center Redding in Redding, Calif., and UCSF Medical Center have signed a letter of intent formalizing a collaboration that aims to improve cancer-related care for Mercy’s patient population in the far northern region of California. UCSF News Office, June 30, 2009
Doc at Center of VA Cancer Probe Admits Errors A doctor accused of botching dozens of prostate cancer surgeries at a Veterans Administration hospital admitted Monday that he sometimes missed his target when implanting radioactive seeds, leaving patients with incorrect dosages. MSNBC.com, June 29, 2009
Mercy Hospitals' Radiology Shift Sets Off Uproar Mercy Health Partners recently caused an uproar among some local doctors - particularly those at its former longtime provider, Consulting Radiologists Corp. of Toledo - when it contracted with an out-of-town management group that takes a different approac Toledo Blade, June 29, 2009
Sacred Heart Names Nespoli CEO The Sacred Heart HealthCare System Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of John L. Nespoli as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 27, 2009. Eastern PA Business Jrnl, June 29, 2009
Boston Hospitals Promise Better Accessibility Two major Boston teaching hospitals are pledging to spend millions-of-dollars to make their facilities more accessible and their staff more sensitive to the needs of the disabled. Boston Globe and Boston.com, June 26, 2009
Deficit at Bennington Hospital Balloons to $22M Officials at Bennington's Southwestern Vermont Medical Center are projecting a $22-million budget deficit by the end of its fiscal year in September. Vermont Public Radio, June 26, 2009
CHLA Named to the National Honor Roll by U.S. News & World Report Childrens Hospital Los Angeles is one of only 10 children's hospitals in the nation ranked in all 10 pediatric specialties and named ot the national "Honor Roll" of children's hospitals in the United States in current U.S. News & World Report rankings. Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, June 26, 2009
The Breast Center at Houston Northwest Med Center Receives Prestigious National Award The Breast Center at Houston Northwest Medical Center is one of only two breast centers in U.S. -- and one in Texas -- to be recognized as a Certified Quality Breast Center of Excellence by the National Quality Measures for Breast Centers (NQMBC) Program( Boston Business Journal, June 26, 2009
Hershey Med Expects To Meet Fiscal-Year Targets The Penn State Milton S. Hershey Med Center expects to finish the 2008-09 fiscal year on budget despite lower than expected admissions and an increase in uncompensated care, center officials said yesterday at the board of directors' annual meeting. Central Penn Business Journal, June 26, 2009
UCSF Children's Hospital Among Nation's Best in 9 Specialties UCSF Children's Hospital has been ranked among nation's best children's hospitals in nine pediatric specialties, making it one of top-ranked facilities in California, according to 2009 "America's Best Children's Hospitals" survey in U.S. News & World Repo Division of General Internal Medicine, June 25, 2009
If We Didn't Advertise We'd Go Broke Treating the Poor An athlete putting his name on stuff is hardly surprising. What is surprising is where the ad ends. The heraldic music rises to a crescendo to deliver the last five-second punch: “Palomar Pomerado Health. Specializing in You.” San Diego Reader, June 25, 2009
LICH, SUNY Downstate looking at merger treatment Long Island College Hospital has moved one step closer to selling or merging its financially troubled institution with SUNY Downstate Medical Center, officials said Wednesday. New York Daily News, June 25, 2009
FMC takes step toward becoming a 'teaching hospital' It's not uncommon for patients at Fairfield Medical Center to see a medical student occasionally shadowing or assisting a hospital physician. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, June 25, 2009
U of L Neurosurgery Program Reaccredited The Univ. of Louisville residency program in neurosurgery has received reaccreditation from the Residency Review Committee of the American Council for Graduate Medical Education. Business First Louisville, June 24, 2009
Harvard Staffers Vehemently Criticize Job Cuts Most staff workers had forecasted the news for months, and the unprecedented fiscal slump had left no budget-cutting measure too improbable to consider. Harvard Crimson, June 24, 2009
Big bucks to UM med school The Univ. of Maryland School of Medicine said its Institute for Genome Sciences has been awarded federal grants, potentially worth up to $24.6-mil, to participate in an ongoing study of the human microbiome-the trillions of micro-organisms that inhabit hu Baltimore Daily Record, June 24, 2009
UConn's Hogan Turns Down Raise, Noting Faculty, Staff Decision To Do Same Although he was given a sterling performance review, Univ. of Connecticut President Michael Hogan turned down a raise and a performance bonus Tuesday, noting that faculty and staff had agreed to give up raises, as well. Hartford Courant, June 24, 2009
Hofferber joins univ. physicians as executive director Scott Hofferber joined Univ. Physicians as its executive director on June 15. Univ. Physicians is the multispecialty practice of more than 440 doctors affiliated with Univ. of Missouri Health Care. Univ. of Missouri Health Care, June 24, 2009
Harvard U. to Lay Off 275 Harvard Univ. announced this morning that it plans to lay off 275 staff members as the college grapples with budget pressures caused by a precipitous endowment decline. Boston Globe and Boston.com, June 23, 2009 * Registration May Be Required
LSU Changes Deal on Charity Hospital The LSU Board of Supervisors rejected a compromise agreement Monday for a new academic medical center in New Orleans and instead approved an amended version that gives LSU expanded authority. Baton Rouge Advocate, June 23, 2009
2 NH hospitals discussing affiliation Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center is discussing an affiliation with Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, N.H. Boston Globe and Boston.com, June 23, 2009
MGH Cited on Surgeons' Overload Junior surgeons at Massachusetts General Hospital have been working too many hours, in violation of patient safety rules, according to a national accrediting organization that is threatening to put the hospital’s surgery training program on probation. Boston Globe and Boston.com, June 22, 2009 * Registration May Be Required
Medical world may face isotope shortage The Canadian government decided to shut down an Ontario nuclear plan in late May because of leaks in the piping. It catalyzed a shortage of a key element used in medical tests, an effect that has hit hospitals around the world — again. Univ. of Iowa - The Daily Iowan, June 22, 2009
Lawmakers Vote To Bail Out UConn Health Center With the state facing its worst deficits in decades, the problem got a little worse Friday. The state legislature voted to bail out the cash-strapped Univ. of Connecticut Health Center for the fourth time since 2000 — helping make the overall state defi Hartford Courant, June 22, 2009
Minnesota health care: Condition critical Once immune from recessions, industry finds itself ailing as people forgo doctor visits.Hospitals have shed more than 1,000 workers since last year & postponed construction projects.Univ. of Minnesota Med School is "looking under every stone'' for savings Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune, June 22, 2009
Harvard Med School Gets 'B' on COI After the American Medical Student Association flunked Harvard Medical School last year for failing to submit its conflict of interest policies for review, school officials hastened to turn in the paperwork this year—and got a B. Harvard Crimson, June 22, 2009
Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor Med had very good week It's been a very good week for Houston's Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine. On Tuesday, they gained an internationally recognized leader. On Thursday, Texas Children's was named one of the top 10 children's hospitals nationwide. Houston Chronicle, June 22, 2009
Boston's teaching hospitals into the suburbs Boston hospitals' suburban expansion sets up a showdown between dueling outpatient centers Boston Globe and Boston.com, June 22, 2009
On the Constitutionality of a New Health-Care System Granted, the details of this year’s health-care reform bill have yet to take solid form. But when the ink dries, one thing seems fairly certain: that the government will play some sort of role in determining the course of medical treatments for many Ame Wall Street Journal (Public access), June 22, 2009
New UMHS Leader Faces Financial Challenge Unlike several other hospitals in the state, U.Mich. Health System ended its fiscal year in the black, but it has still been battered by the state's lagging economy. Ann Arbor News, June 19, 2009
Three Bs & a D for Med Schools on Conflict-of-Interest Policies The four medical schools in Massachusetts earned passing grades for their conflict-of-interest policies in a new report card issued by a medical student's organization, including a jump from F to B for Harvard and a change from I to D for Tufts. Boston Globe, June 19, 2009
UCSD Workers Face Pay Cuts Emotions are running high as 25,000 workers will be told their pay could be cut to help close the state's multibillion-dollar budget gap. The University of California system is expected to face a 19 percent cut in state funding. KGTV-TV ABC 10 San Diego, June 19, 2009
LSU Med School Considers Options For Resident Training The future of LSU Medical Schoold in New Orleans has been the subject of rumors and confusion. Recently, there has been much speculation about relocating some of LSU's med school operations from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. The Independent Tiger Weekly (LSU), June 18, 2009
WSU Cutting 360 Jobs Also, WSU is cutting three academic programs to reduce its budget by $54 million, or more than 10 percent, over the next two years. Charlotte Business Journal, June 18, 2009
MCG Health Ends Fiscal Year Strong The health system credits increasing patient revenues $3.7 million more than budget, decreasing expenses $2.2 million less than budget, and receiving better-than-expected supplemental payments from Medicaid for seeing more Medicaid and indigent patients. Augusta Chronicle, June 18, 2009
Building and Expansion
New UF Psychiatry Center to Formally Open The new facility complements psychiatry department activities at the McKnight Brain Institute and Health Science Center, providing an additional location for programs, training and research. Univ. of Florida College of Medicine, July 02, 2009
Palo Alto VA Breaks Ground on $26M Mental Health Center A $1.4-billion flurry of construction at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System ramped up Wednesday as officials broke ground on a single-story, 80-bed mental health facility. Santa Cruz Sentinel, July 02, 2009
OSU Med Center CEO to Fix Wounded Facilities With an enthusiastic attitude, Jan Slater said she is ready to fix the fractured Oklahoma State Univ. Medical Center. Oklahoma City Journal Record, July 01, 2009
UTMB Articulates Plan for Renovations Funding for repairs provided by FEMA, UT System, the Texas Legislature and a charitable foundation. The Daily Texan, June 30, 2009
Delays for Teaching Hospital Slow Economic Pulse New Orleans wants to build an economic base around the health care industry. That strategy for economic growth has served many rebounding economies quite well and it could work well for us. New Orleans City Business, June 29, 2009
4 Years Later, LSU Health Sciences Center On the Mend Nearly four years after a savage attack left it hobbled, the LSU Health Sciences Center's oldest building is definitely showing signs of life. New Orleans Times-Picayune & Nola.com, June 29, 2009
Hershey Med dedicates $153M cancer institute The Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center dedicated the $153-million home of the Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute. Central Penn Business Journal, June 25, 2009
State suspends land acquisition for teaching hospital The state has stopped the process for acquiring land for a proposed teaching hospital in Mid-City while an agreement over who will run the facility is at a stalemate. New Orleans City Business, June 24, 2009
$9M committed to enhance WVU Stroke Center West Virginia Univ Health Sciences officials announced a $9-million investment and expansion of the WVU Stroke Center. West Virginia Univ. School of Medicine, June 23, 2009
Unhealthy start to hospital merger This time, the evil empire that rules over Long Island College Hospital has been brokering a back-room deal to merge the private downtown Brooklyn hospital with the public SUNY Downstate Medical Center - without even consulting the staff of LICH. New York Daily News, June 23, 2009
UM-Baltimore forced to scale back planned med research lab State budget constraints and the economic downturn have forced Univ. of Marylandofficials to cut the cost of a planned medical research facility in Baltimore by $100-million. Baltimore Business Journal, June 22, 2009
LSU Receives Millions For Repairs The recently provided federal grant totals $10.8 million and was awarded to Louisiana's Facility Planning and Control to cover increased repair costs to LSUHSC's Clinical Education Building. Emergency Management (FEMA), June 19, 2009
LSU, Tulane Strike Deal Over $1.2B N.O. Hospitals The state’s health chief Thursday released a proposed “draft” agreement that would create a private, non-profit organization to finance and operate a planned $1.2 billion academic medical center in New Orleans. Baton Rouge Advocate, June 19, 2009
Jackson Memorial May Spin Off Primary-Care Clinics It was not clear Thursday what a transfer of ownership would do for the clinics' relationship with the University of Miami Medical School. Primary-care residents currently get their training at the Jefferson Reaves Sr. Health Center in Overtown. The Miami Herald, June 19, 2009
Final 4 Candidates for UH Cancer Center Manoa’s Cancer Research Center of Hawaii (CRCH) at the University of Hawaii has identified four finalists for its director position, and has invited them to participate in a two-day presentations. University of Hawaii, June 18, 2009
Research and Discovery
Bone Proteins Costly In Surgery, Study Says The use in spine surgery of bone-growth proteins like Medtronic Inc.â??s product Infuse has led to widespread nationwide increases in hospital charges ranging from 11% to 41% above conventional surgical costs, researchers found. Wall Street Journal (Public access), July 01, 2009
Generic Biotech Drugs Coming to U.S. Everybody knows Congress is likely to create a pathway for generic versions of biotech drugs to come to market. The fight now is over the details. Wall Street Journal (Public access), June 30, 2009
Covidien Ranks Tops as Med Devices Innovator Covidien, a provider of healthcare products with operations in Mansfield, said it was ranked the top innovator in the medical devices and services industry by the Patent Board, the official patent ratings partner of the Wall Street Journal. Boston Globe and Boston.com, June 30, 2009
Drug Firms Use Med Staffs for Pitches Pharmaceutical companies are barred by FDA from promoting unapproved drug uses, called off-label use, but they are using employees called "medical science liaisons," who are often physicians and pharmacists, as a legal way to discuss those uses. Wall Street Journal (Public access), June 26, 2009
More Gene Mutations Linked to Autism Risk More pieces in the complex autism inheritance puzzle are emerging in the latest study from a research team including geneticists from Univ of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia ,and several collaborating institutions. Penn Medicine, June 26, 2009
$10M Grant Awarded for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer's Atudies Alzheimer's disease researchers at Washington Univ. School of Medicine in St. Louis have won renewal of a grant from NIA to study the differences between people who remain mentally spry in the golden years of life and those who develop dementia. Washington Univ. in St. Louis School of Medicine, June 26, 2009
$37M to extend regional biodefense and emerging infectious diseases research The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has extended funding for the Midwest Regional Center for Excellence in Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases (MRCE), anchored at Washington Univ. School of Medicine in St. Louis. Washington Univ. in St. Louis School of Medicine, June 25, 2009
$19M to WU scientists to decode microbe DNA and explore links to disease The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded scientists at Washington Univ. School of Medicine in St. Louis four grants totaling $19 million to explore the trillions of microbes that inhabit the human body and determine how they contribute to good Washington Univ. in St. Louis School of Medicine, June 24, 2009
Emory granted $14.5M to treat brain injuries Emory Univ. Medical Center has been awarded a $14.5-million grant to work with Grady Memorial Hospital and Morehouse School of Medicine to help people with traumatic brain injury, officials said Tuesday. Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 24, 2009 * Registration May Be Required
VA doctor in radiation flap is part of $10M study The physician at the center of an investigation of botched radiation treatments for nearly 100 veterans with prostate cancer is a major participant in a $10-million federal study aimed at protecting astronauts from radiation injuries in outer space. Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, June 23, 2009
KU Hospital Adds $73M Project The Univ. of Kansas Hospital is scheduled to open a new six-story addition in 2011 that will house most of the doctors serving the hospital and the Univ. of Kansas Medical Center. KCTV-TV CBS 5 Kansas City, June 23, 2009
Estimating the Economic Bite of the H1N1 Flu Pandemic While apparently not getting worse since its elevation to pandemic status, the H1N1 flu still will deliver quite an economic punch to Mexico, according to a World Bank report. Wall Street Journal (Public access), June 23, 2009 * Registration May Be Required
UI Backs Researchers Disclosure on Funds Two influential entities want univ. researchers to submit to tighter rules on disclosing external funding they receive, and UI officials lauded the effort to flush out potential conflicts of interest. Univ. of Iowa - The Daily Iowan, June 22, 2009
U of T and hospitals win $134.8M in CFI research funding The research powerhouse made up of the Univ. of Toronto and its partner hospitals got a colossal boost June 18, when the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) awarded $134.8-million to U of T and five hospitals. Univ. of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, June 22, 2009
KU Cancer Researchers Awarded $1 Mil. The University of Kansas Cancer Center's effort to achieve National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation was boosted today when one of its prominent cancer drug researchers received a $1 million NCI grant renewal. University of Kansas Medical Center, June 19, 2009
Italy Outsources Peer Review To NIH The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) is gearing up to begin a review of about 1,000 biomedical research grant applications for the Italian government, an experimental collaboration that comes at an inconvenient time for the US funding agency. Nature, June 19, 2009
SUNY Upstate Gets $2 Million For Blood Cancer Research M. Golam Mohi, assistant professor of pharmacology at Upstate, will serve as the principal investigator for the five-year study, which is funded by the NIH's National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Central New York Business Journal, June 19, 2009
Minus Grant, AIDS Group Plan On Hold Buffalo-based AIDS Community Services of WNY Inc. has suffered another funding set-back in its efforts to expand primary care services at its downtown site. Charlotte Business Journal, June 19, 2009
Final 4 Candidates for UH Cancer Center Manoa’s Cancer Research Center of Hawaii (CRCH) at the University of Hawaii has identified four finalists for its director position, and has invited them to participate in a two-day presentations. University of Hawaii, June 18, 2009
SIU Med School Shares $8.6 Mil Grant The grant announced Tuesday designates Andrzej Bartke as the lead researcher of a team that includes scientists at the Mayo Clinic, the University of Michigan, Ohio University and the University of Texas Health Science Center. Carmi Times, June 18, 2009
Medical Training
'Runaway greed' gets doc 18 months His partner in crime testified they shared loot from all their shady deals, kickbacks Chicago Sun-Times, July 02, 2009
Mixed-reality dummy provides medical exam practice On June 18, UF computer engineering graduate student Aaron Kotranza demonstrates a breast exam on a “mixed reality human” composed of a mannequin with a prosthetic breast and a life-size computer avatar on a flat screen. Independent Florida Alligator Online, July 02, 2009
Increase in Residency Slots Urged As the nation debates health care reform, it should also be thinking about its newest doctors and making room for more of them, the group that represents U.S. medical schools said Tuesday. Augusta Chronicle, July 01, 2009
Singapore Med School Still Growing Duke-National Univ. of Singapore Graduate Medical School moved into a state-of-the-art new school building this month, another milestone for the international health institute. Duke Chronicle, July 01, 2009
UF College of Med's F Removed From Scorecard The failing grade UF’s College of Medicine received on a recent American Medical Student Association PharmFree Scorecard is being changed to “in progress.” Independent Florida Alligator Online, June 30, 2009
Creighton Med School Plans Phoenix Branch Creighton Univ. will increase its medical school enrollment by 26 a year and eventually send 84 students annually for training at a Phoenix hospital. Omaha World-Herald, June 30, 2009
Letters: Surgical Training Calls for Long Hours To those who are familiar with the intricacies of surgical training, it comes as no surprise that Massachusetts General Hospital would be cited for excessive resident hours. Boston Globe and Boston.com, June 29, 2009
Finally, A Less Childlike Awe of Med Professors Med students, by tradition, have tended to be conservative in spirit and compliant in nature. Certainly the selective admissions criteria employed by medical schools have served to reinforce this stereotype. Providence Journal, June 29, 2009
Camden, NJ Will Be Site for New Med School Cooper Univ. Hospital (Cooper) will partner with Rowan Univ. to establish a new medical school in Camden, NJ. The proposal for the four-year school has received approval from Governor Jon Corzine but the state legislature must complete the approval proces DOTmed, June 29, 2009
Physician Assistant Program Receives "School" Status Forty years ago, Vietnam War veterans returned home attempting to start new lives as civilians. Among them were medics who looked for a way to turn their skills into a living and ultimately created the demand for a new profession. Univ. of Florida College of Medicine, June 29, 2009
The Miller School of Medicine and Jackson Memorial Welcome 200 New Residents As he sat in the auditorium listening to administrators and veteran physicians welcome him and 199 other new residents to the practice of medicine at Univ. of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Stephen George felt he was ready to serve and ready to save liv Univ. of Miami - Miller School of Medicine, June 26, 2009
Med School 'Senioritis' Last March, Washington and Lee Univ.'s Law School dean told Inside Higher Ed that, "We wouldn't dream of training doctors only from a book," as a justification for his then newly unveiled plan to transform the third year of law school with experiential co Inside Higher Ed, June 25, 2009
U. of I. Med School Gave 2003 Candidate Unfair Advantage Univ. of Illinois College of Medicine officials acknowledged Friday that an unqualified applicant pushed by Trustee Lawrence Eppley received an unfair advantage. Chicago Tribune, June 22, 2009
UF Med School Gets F For Not Responding to COI Survey Univ. of Florida officials were caught by surprise when they received failing grade on new national scorecard measuring how well med schools insulate their students, faculty & doctors from-money, free product samples & other gifts offered by drug companie Gainesville Sun, June 22, 2009
Cutting U. of U. Med School Class was Tough Decision Dr. David Sundwall's editorial criticizing the decision to reduce the Univ. of Utah School of Medicine's freshman class size shows a failure to understand the budget crisis that forced this decision. Salt Lake City Tribune, June 22, 2009
Jackson Memorial May Spin Off Primary-Care Clinics It was not clear Thursday what a transfer of ownership would do for the clinics' relationship with the University of Miami Medical School. Primary-care residents currently get their training at the Jefferson Reaves Sr. Health Center in Overtown. The Miami Herald, June 19, 2009
How Much Do Rookie Doctors Make? Per MGMA 2008 report, the lowest starting salary was for pediatricians - $132,500. The highest specialty salary was for those starting out in neurological surgery - $605,000. Wall Street Journal, June 18, 2009
LSU Med School Considers Options For Resident Training The future of LSU Medical Schoold in New Orleans has been the subject of rumors and confusion. Recently, there has been much speculation about relocating some of LSU's med school operations from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. The Independent Tiger Weekly (LSU), June 18, 2009
Medicare May Shuffle the Deck on Doctor Payments The agency that runs Medicare suggested making an obscure accounting change that could make it easier for Congress to change how Medicare pays doctors. Wall Street Journal (Public access), July 02, 2009
With Medicare Plan, Drug Spending May Be Up Older people who signed up for Medicare's prescription drug coverage, called Part D, spent more on drugs after enrolling than they had before but less on other types of medical care, researchers have found. "Univ. of California, San Diego - Medical Center", July 02, 2009
What An Employer Mandate for Health Insurance Might Look Like Swimming against the corporate tide, Wal-Mart yesterday sent an open letter to President Obama supporting a federal mandate that would require most employers to contribute to their workers’ health-insurance coverage. Wall Street Journal (Public access), July 01, 2009
Maine Hospital Losing Medicare Reimbursements The federal government has served notice that it's stripping Down East Community Hospital in Machias of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements. Boston Globe and Boston.com, June 29, 2009
Massachusetts Makes Cuts to Universal Health Plan Massachusetts’s universal health plan, long discussed as a possible model for the nation, is getting a $115-million haircut. Wall Street Journal (Public access), June 25, 2009
U.S. Indicts 53 for Medicare Fraud Federal authorities indicted 53 people on Wednesday for schemes to cheat Medicaid out of $50-million. Wall Street Journal (Public access), June 24, 2009
States Fight Medicaid Expansion Some governors are pushing to scale back or kill proposals to expand Medicaid to provide health-care coverage to the uninsured, raising a new challenge to President Barack Obama's effort to overhaul the system. Wall Street Journal (Public access), June 23, 2009
Splitting the Medicare Drug Benefit's Doughnut Hole The $80-billion deal announced this weekend between drug makers and Washington Democrats points to one of the odder features of the Medicare Part D Drug Benefit: The doughnut hole. Wall Street Journal (Public access), June 22, 2009
Legal and Malpractice
LSU Med Center to Pay $700K to Settle Fraud Suit LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport will pay more than $700,000 to settle allegations it defrauded Medicare by billing for medical services that were never provided by teaching physicians, the U.S. Attorney's office here said. KTBS-TV ABC 3 Shreveport, July 02, 2009
UI Sues Drugmaker Alleging Patent Infringement The UI is involved in a legal dispute with the makers of Humira, for allegedly intentionally violating two UI patented medical tools. Univ. of Iowa - The Daily Iowan, July 02, 2009
Hospitals' Behavior In A Tort Crisis: Observations From Pennsylvania Pennsylvania, like many states around the country, is in the throes of a "tort crisis." The cost of professional liability insurance for physicians and hospitals is escalating rapidly, as its availability shrinks. The Oregon Herald, June 30, 2009
Group To Sue Over Vitamins' Anti-Cancer Claims A nonprofit consumer group will sue Bayer HealthCare, alleging "deceptive and irresponsible" advertising that contends selenium in two of its multivitamins may reduce men's risk of prostate cancer. CNN, June 19, 2009
Three Bs & a D for Med Schools on Conflict-of-Interest Policies The four medical schools in Massachusetts earned passing grades for their conflict-of-interest policies in a new report card issued by a medical student's organization, including a jump from F to B for Harvard and a change from I to D for Tufts. Boston Globe, June 19, 2009
UI Backs Researchers Disclosure On Funds Two influential entities want university researchers to submit to tighter rules on disclosing external funding they receive, and UI officials lauded the effort to flush out potential conflicts of interest. University of Iowa, June 19, 2009
Medtronic Paid Doc Accused Of False Study Medical device maker Medtronic Inc paid almost $800,000 in consulting fees to a former U.S. Army surgeon accused of fabricating a key study, according to published reports. Yahoo! News, June 18, 2009
UCSF Med School Under Fire From Sen. Grassley Grassley’s comments come in during a continuing feud between UCSF and David Kessler, former dean of its medical school, who earlier headed FDA under President Clinton, over allegations involving the medical school’s financial reporting. Dallas Business Journal, June 18, 2009
Technology
UNC Health Care tweets live surgery When you do a search for “UNC” on Twitter, you’ll find updates from sports fans, visitors to the campus and people who are using it as an abbreviation for “uncle.” UNC Daily Tarheel, June 25, 2009
Transition to paperless medical records may be prickly At a June 10 meeting with the state Board of Regents, UI Hospitals and Clinics officials unveiled a $55-million Epic system. Univ. of Iowa - The Daily Iowan, June 24, 2009
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