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Showing posts from October, 2015

W. Proctor Harvey Amphitheater

On Friday, October 23th, the W. Proctor Harvey Amphitheater was dedicated at Georgetown University.  Dr. Harvey was the director of the Division of Cardiology for 35 years (1950-1985) and was internationally known for developing innovative audiovisual approaches to teaching auscultation of the heart.  Uniquely skilled in the art of medicine, unsurpassed in his knowledge of cardiology and celebrated as a teacher, Dr. Harvey became one of Georgetown's most valuable and enduring professors.


With generous donations from alumni, the Wiegand Foundation and from MedStar Health, the new amphitheater was build with a stage centered between two steep set of seats so everyone can watch and learn diagnostic skills and every seat has a headset so they can hear the heart sounds simultaneously.

This amphitheater is also the home of the newly created Georgetown-MedStar Medical Education Institute. This institute provides space for clinical teaching, supports MedStar's educational programs, continuing medical education, joint simulation training programs and the capability to stream live with binaural auscultation anywhere in the world.

In the picture above, John J. DeGioia, President of Georgetown Univeristy is addressing the alumni and guests for the official dedication.

MedStar Researchers in Today's US News

I am always amazed on how the national news agencies pick up on some of our local, investigator initiated studies such as the SAFEHeart trial at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital by Drs Ana Barac and Sandra Swain which is in today's US News and World Report..


This study is a wonderful collaboration of cardiology and oncology in a new, growing area called cardio-oncology. It looks at the cardiac health of cancer patients, especially those that get chemotherapy that can effect the heart.

MedStar's Annual Giving Campaign

Some of you may have read my monthly message in this month’s FOCUS newsletter where I reflected on the idea of how giving back not only makes a difference and feels good, but can help the overall mission of advancing health.
I am excited to share a new initiative this year around MedStar’s annual associate philanthropy campaign that will have a direct positive impact for emerging, new high-potential investigators.
As you are aware, MedStar launched the 2015 Annual Philanthropy Campaign at each MedStar Health entity, Giving: The Power to Heal.  The campaign is in its second week and I hope each of you have already considered contributing.  As we reviewed this program for research, we recognized that when we give, we want to know that our donation will have an impact.  For this reason, we are going to use 100% of associate giving funds donated or pledged in the month of October for a directed purpose:
For the first time, we are pleased to announce that associate gifts designated to the MedStar Health Research Institute (MHRI) will go towards the “MedStar Research ASSOCIATE GIVING GRANT FUND.”  This grant fund is being established to benefit MedStar Health investigators and the important research they are conducting each and every day in our hospitals, clinics and communities we serve. Specifically, the fund will recognize at least one new MedStar Investigator (within 5 years of joining MedStar at a faculty/attending level) each year.  The recipient will be chosen through a formal request for proposal (RFP) and scientific review process with the goal of supporting his/her research project. The size of the annual grant and the number of grants will be dependent on associate donations each year. We feel this is a great way our donations can help have a meaningful, positive effect on the growth of research at MedStar and is a true investment in our academic future. More details about the RFP and selection process will be forthcoming after the associate giving period is closed.  In the meantime, if you have questions, please contact Katie Coyle, MedStar Health Philanthropy representative via email or at 202-329-8157.
From now through the end of October, you have a unique opportunity – in addition to the great work you do here each day – to make a difference for research at MedStar Health by supporting philanthropy through Giving: The Power to Heal.
I hope you will join me, other associates and clinicians from our hospitals and around the MedStar system by participating in this important campaign. Every gift matters, no matter the size so give whatever you feel comfortable with. Your gift will make a difference in the lives of our patients and their families by supporting high quality research by our next generation of investigators. 
Participation is easy – visit medstarresearch.org/powertoheal or call Katie Coyle, our philanthropy officer at 202.329.8157.  By selecting MedStar Health Research Institute, all donations and pledges in October will be used for this new investigator research award.
I just made my donation – it took 60 seconds online.
Thank you for using your Power to Heal [through research]!

Insight and Imagination

Guest Blogger: Patricia Evans, Senior Financial Analyst, Office of Financial Management, MHRI


Yesterday was a special reminder of all the fun and exciting things going on at Medstar.  I had the honor of attending the 6th annual MI2 (MedStar Institute for Innovation) Innovations in …Thinking Differently Forum.  It was an opportunity to reconnect as well as meet a diverse group of people across the system.  

This year’s theme was Insight and Imagination.  Although prevalent to us all, insight is something we generally do not pay attention to or give a high priority in our daily lives.  There were a number of talented speakers and Dr. Gary Klein gave us a very thought provoking equation.

Traditionally, the focus of organizations has been reducing errors.  And though important, is not the only method that should be implemented.  Because measuring insight is more difficult organizations have been more hesitant to pursue that strategy.  That hesitation could impair the organization’s ability to discover their untapped potential.  How do we develop this insight?  Klein suggested making it a habit or an active curious state of mind.  His suggestions included:  keeping a journal, using curiosity, encouraging others and lastly, create opportunities from areas of conflict or confusion.

Another speaker Donna Harris, Co-CEO of 1776 reminded us that inspiration is not just out there in new entrepreneurs but in each of us also.  She talked about the new era of public benefit corporations leading the way for making change.  Artist Chris Ayers inspired us with his personal story about beating cancer and how his use of drawing a different animal each day helped him through his first year of treatment.  The outcome was a beautiful book of drawings that can now inspire others.  His passion was evident and it was hard to tell where work began and the fun ended.  He offered valuable suggestions of things to do when we find ourselves in a rut or experiencing writer’s block.  His message was simple: start with a squiggle and no one knows where it will end. 

Read his amazing story Daily Zoo.

Accepting Applications: Teaching and Research Scholars!

Last month we announced that applications were open for our MedStar Teaching Scholars program. The deadline for applications are due this Friday, October 9th and you can learn more about the program here

Another opportunity we are excited to announce is our 3rd annual Research Scholar Program (applications due Monday, November 9th). While our teaching scholar program is aimed for faculty/staff interested in medical education and bringing their medical education activities to the ‘next level’ by taking part in AAMC Medical Education Research Certification (MERC), the Research Scholars program is for faculty who want a career that has a substantial portion (at least 30%) in research (clinical or translational) but have not launched yet as an independent investigator. It emphasizes skill sets, mentorship and knowledge/access to resources to conduct research. The goal is to provide a select group of clinicians with the knowledge and skills to develop a major career focus conducting clinical or translational research; to design, conduct and publish clinical research projects and to write and submit grant applications; and to learn to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary team science.

For more information on both programs, including applications, visit our website, here under the "Advanced Training Resources" heading.