Just more than one year after it was created, the office of Women Faculty Programs at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has introduced a collection of essays by leading women faculty aimed at inspiring generations of women scientists to come.

Legends and Legacies: Personal Journeys of Women Physicians and Scientists at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center presents the reflections of 26 current faculty women on their formative years and influences, their hurdles and opportunities as they pursued rewarding careers – and leadership roles – in science and academic medicine.

Anecdotes and insight shared throughout the book reveal personal struggles and bias based on gender, race or social/economic background, as the women sought to balance personal and professional lives, including the often competing demands of motherhood and the tenure track. The women profiled represent diverse ages, backgrounds and cultures and various professional roles, from clinicians and physician scientists to basic scientists and veterinarians. (Please see sidebar.)

In his foreword, John Mendelsohn, M.D., president of M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, noted “I was struck by how diverse – and often difficult – their pilgrimages have been, yet all share the common bond of growing up knowing they wanted to make a difference.”

Editor Elizabeth Travis, Ph.D., a professor in the departments of Radiation Oncology and Pulmonary Medicine and the first associate vice president for Women Faculty Programs at M. D. Anderson, conceived the book project to recognize the accomplishments of M. D. Anderson’s women faculty while spotlighting advocacy efforts intended to improve opportunities for women already in the field, as well as inspire others to choose and then stay in the field.

“Legends and Legacies is about seeing dreams through in the face of adversity,” says Travis. “I hope it serves as a source of inspiration for young women dreaming of careers in science and medicine – and as a reminder to those women and men who are mentoring the next generation.”

Mendelsohn also credited the women’s “innate tenacity to succeed,” commending Travis and the faculty women for their efforts to make M. D. Anderson a top destination for women physicians and scientists. “We are proud to be the home of so many remarkable women physicians and scientists who continue to be leaders in cancer patient care, research, education and prevention.”

Through its Women Faculty Programs, M. D. Anderson promotes workplace initiatives for women physicians and scientists, such as creating a better work-life environment; nominating women faculty for prizes and awards; increasing the number of women leaders; providing career development and mentoring programs; reviewing faculty salaries annually; hosting women physicians and scientists to give scientific and women-in-science talks; promoting institution-wide gender-balanced participation; and reviewing status of women faculty annually.

Offering the book’s final note, Raymond N. Dubois, M.D., Ph.D., provost and executive vice president of M. D. Anderson, said, “We must discard past gender stereotypes and do everything possible to attract, train and support the best and brightest minds to meet the challenges of conquering such relentless and stubborn problems as cancer. Future generations are counting on all of us.”

Legends and Legacies features personal photographs, capturing the women as children and teens, with their families, at work and at play alongside the essays. Legends and Legacies (ISBN: 978-0-9753878-1-8) is available in hardcover for $24.99 and can be purchased securely online at www.Amazon.com.

In Houston, the book can be purchased at: Half Price Books (Rice Village, Montrose, and Pearland locations); Majors Books; River Oaks Book Store; Blue Willow Bookshop; Brazos Bookstore; and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (Dental Branch, Medical School, School of Nursing bookstores).

Proceeds from the sale of Legends and Legacies will benefit internships for women interested in careers in cancer medicine or science at M. D. Anderson.

SIDEBAR: REMARKABLE STORIES FROM LEGENDS AND LEGACIES

Each woman featured in Legends and Legacies overcame personal struggles and their stories shine a light on obstacles that many may think are long gone.

Take these:

  • Varsha V. Gandhi, Ph.D., Professor of Experimental Therapeutics, describes her journey to M. D. Anderson as “a rags-to-riches transition.” After emigrating to the United States with her husband, Gandhi worked hard at whatever task was at hand – from studying molecular biology and cancer therapeutics to job hunting in a foreign country and even learning how to drive in parking lots – eventually earning a tenured position in experimental therapeutics at M. D. Anderson. She now serves as the director of education and faculty development for her department.
  • Eugenie S. Kleinerman, M.D., Professor and Head of Division of Pediatrics, was told she was “too cute” to be a doctor and urged to become a nurse. Her advisor at a top medical school said “women don’t belong in medicine.” She has since led the development of a technique to activate the body’s immune system against osteosarcoma and was named the first woman division head at M. D. Anderson in 2001.
  • Inspired by Marie Curie and the untimely death of a childhood friend in Hiroshima from acute granulocytic leukemia, Ritsuko Komaki, M.D., Professor of Radiation Oncology, has devoted her life to becoming a scientist, clinician and educator. In 2006, she helped open the Proton Therapy Center at M. D. Anderson – the largest and most sophisticated of its kind – that treats cancer by delivering radiation doses to a targeted tumor with remarkable precision.
  • Guillermina Lozano, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of Genetics, the oldest of six children born to immigrant parents from Mexico, was expected to marry and have children when she grew up. Defying this path, Lozano’s cancer research genetics lab is developing ways to replace or correct the abnormal p53 gene, thereby realizing the potential to use gene therapy for some types of cancer.
  • Inspired by her grandmother’s teachings of perseverance, discipline, drive and charity, Vickie Shannon, M.D., Professor of Pulmonary Medicine, entered medicine to continue her grandmother’s legacy. Facing latent racism – even choosing to study at the same hospital that would not provide her mother healthcare in the 1960s because she was black – she has risen to become one of the first two African American women to be appointed full professor in 2007.

M. D. Anderson

The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston ranks as one of the world’s most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. M. D. Anderson is one of only 40 comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute. For four of the past six years, including 2008, M. D. Anderson has ranked No. 1 in cancer care in “America’s Best Hospitals,” a survey published annually in U.S. News & World Report.

Source: The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center


On Average a Quarter of Europeans Surveyed From UK, Portugal, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland Claim Worsening Quality of Sleep Thanks to the Economy(1)

Portuguese are Most Affected, With 42% Making the Admission, Compared to 17% of the UK(1)
66% of European Adults on Average Have Experienced Problems Sleeping Over the Last 12 Months, but Only 19% of These Have Visited the Doctor(1)

Debilitating Next-Day Side Effects Associated With Sleep Deprivation Could be Costing Europe Billions of Euros, Increasing Traffic Accidents and Seriously Impacting on the Health and Well Being of Those Affected

Lundbeck announced the results of a new sleep survey of 6,694 Europeans (aged 18+) across seven countries to mark the second annual World Sleep Day, which falls today, 20th March. World Sleep Day is an international event organised by the World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM) and is aimed at raising awareness of the burden and impact of sleep disorders. The survey was conducted online by YouGov.

Of the 66% of Europeans in these 7 countries who have experienced sleep problems over the past 12 months, on average nearly half have experienced poor concentration during the next day, one in five feel their work has been affected and 68% suffered from sleepiness during the day1. Not only do next-day side effects from poor quality (non-restorative) sleep have a serious impact on an individual’s health and well-being, they also create a significant burden on society. While little information is available about the direct and indirect cost of sleep problems in Europe, in the US it is estimated that insomnia costs society up to $107 billion a year(2).

Through World Sleep Day, WASM is also highlighting the dangers of drowsy driving, caused by people suffering next day effects of sleep problems. WASM claims that improved diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders could help to cut fatal or serious road traffic accidents by up to one third(3).

“This survey highlights that despite the availability of a broad range of treatment options for the significant number of people across Europe suffering from sleep problems, very few people are seeking support from their doctor,” said Professor Colin Espie, Professor of Clinical Psychology Director, University of Glasgow Sleep Research Laboratory . “There is no need for people to suffer in silence when lifestyle changes and treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapies and medications can all help to tackle sleep problems.”

Interestingly, the survey reveals that Polish adults are the worst affected with sleep problems, with over three quarters (76%) experiencing difficulties sleeping over the last 12 months, compared to just 57% of UK adults. It’s also not good news for European women who on average suffer from more sleep problems than their male counterparts (73% of women vs. 59% of men)(1).

As demonstrated by this survey, sleep habits and patterns are different throughout Europe, and reported sleep quality differs from nation to nation. No clear reason exists why some nations sleep better than others; however some links have been made to cultural behaviours and differences towards sleep.

“Sleep disorders affect some 238 million people worldwide. In the US alone, almost 60 million complain of insomnia(4),” said Executive Vice President Anders Gersel Pedersen, Head of Drug Development at Lundbeck. “Sleep is a basic human need and is as important as eating or drinking. A lack of sleep or poor quality sleep leads to long and short-term health risks.”

In the short-term, people with the most common sleep disorder, insomnia, suffer from poor alertness, impaired efficiency, difficulty in concentrating and excessive daytime sleepiness(5). They also suffer from increased irritability and mood swings that can have a negative impact on relationships(6). In the longer term, there are a number of serious health implications that can be linked to sleep disorders and insomnia, including depression and anxiety, obesity, glucose intolerance leading to type 2 diabetes, weakened immune system, heart attacks, stroke and falls(7,8,9).

About the Survey

The survey polled a total of 6,694 adults (18+). Total sample sizes were 2194 adults in the UK, 1000 in Germany, France and Poland, and 500 in Czech Republic, Hungary and Portugal. Fieldwork was undertaken between 29th January and 10th February 2009. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all adults (aged 18+) in each individual country. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Where ‘European adults’ have been referenced, an average figure was taken from all 7 countries.

A breakdown of the survey results can be requested from the contact provided above.

World Sleep Day

World Sleep Day is an annual event to raise awareness of the importance of sleep for good health. This year’s slogan is ‘Drive alert, arrive safe’. The event is organized by the World Sleep Day Committee of the World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM) and aims to lessen the burden of sleep problems on society through better prevention and management of sleep disorders. Lundbeck is a gold sponsor of World Sleep Day 2009.

References

1. Data on file. YouGov sleeping problems survey. All figures unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Fieldwork undertaken between 29th January – 10th February 2009.

2. Reeder CE, Franklin M, Bramley TJ. Current landscape of insomnia in managed care. Am J Manage Care 2007; 13(Suppl 5): S112-6

3. Department for Transport, Sleep related vehicle accidents. http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/research/rsrr/theme3/sleeprelatedvehicle accidentsno22?page=2 . Last accessed 18/12/08

4. Neurotech Insights. The neurotechnology industry newsletter. February 2009. Volume 5: 2

5. Ohayon MM et al. Correlates of global sleep satisfaction in the psychiatric diagnosis categories. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2002; 56: 239-240

6. Pilcher JJ. Sleep quality versus sleep quantity: relationships between sleep and measures of health, well-being and sleepiness in college students. J Psychosom Res. 1997; 42(6): 583-96

7. Taheri S, Lin L, Austin D et al. Short sleep duration is associated with elevated ghrelin, reduced leptin and increased body mass index. PLoS Med 2004; 1(3): e62

8. Gottlieb DJ, Punjabi NM, Newman AB et al. Association of sleep time with diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance. Arch Intern Med 2005; 165(8): 863-7

9. Gumustekin K, Seven B, Karabulut N et al. Effects of sleep deprivation, nicotine and selenium on wound healing in rats. Neurosci 2004; 114: 1433-1442

Source: H. Lundbeck A/S


South Dakota’s New Smoke-Free Law Is Historic Win for Health

  • Author: Health Informer
  • Filed under: Health News
  • Date: Mar 20,2009

The following is a statement of Matthew L. Myers, President, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids:

All South Dakota workplaces, including restaurants and bars, will be smoke-free beginning July 1, thanks to legislation approved by the Legislature last week and signed into law today by Governor Mike Rounds. Governor Rounds and the Legislature have delivered a historic victory for public health and protected the right of all South Dakotans to breathe clean air.

As the 25th state to pass a strong smoke-free law that includes restaurants and bars, South Dakota adds to the growing momentum across the country and around the world to protect all workers and the public from the serious health hazards of secondhand smoke. No one should have to put their health at risk in order to earn a paycheck or enjoy a night out. We congratulate the legislators, organizations and businesses that have championed this critical public health measure, including Senators Dave Knudson, and Scott Heidepriem, and Representatives Bob Faehn and Bernie Hunhoff.

South Dakota joins 24 other states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico in passing smoke-free laws that cover restaurants and bars. The states are Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana (extends to bars Oct. 1, 2009), Nebraska (June 1, 2009), New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont and Washington. A growing number of countries have also passed nationwide smoke-free laws, including Bermuda, Bhutan, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom and Uruguay.

The need for protection from secondhand smoke in all workplaces and public places has never been clearer. In issuing a groundbreaking report on secondhand smoke in June 2006, U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona stated, “The debate is over. The science is clear: Secondhand smoke is not a mere annoyance, but a serious health hazard that causes premature death and disease in children and nonsmoking adults.” Secondhand smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, including at least 69 carcinogens. The Surgeon General found that secondhand smoke is a proven cause of lung cancer, heart disease, serious respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and asthma, low birth weight and sudden infant death syndrome. The Surgeon General also found that secondhand smoke is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths in the United States each year, there is no safe level of exposure, and only smoke-free laws provide effective protection from secondhand smoke.

The evidence is also clear that smoke-free laws protect health without harming business. As the Surgeon General concluded, “Evidence from peer-reviewed studies shows that smoke-free policies and regulations do not have an adverse impact on the hospitality industry.”

It’s time for every state and community to protect everyone’s right to breathe clean air.

Source: Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids


Teen Birth Rates Up Slightly in 2007 for Second Consecutive Year

  • Author: Health Informer
  • Filed under: Health News
  • Date: Mar 19,2009

The birth rate for U.S. teens aged 15 to 19 increased by about 1 percent in 2007, from 41.9 births per 1,000 in 2006 to 42.5 in 2007, according to a report released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is the second year in a row that teen births have gone up. They increased 3 percent in 2006 following a 14-year decline.

Birth rates also increased for women in their 20s, 30s and early 40s, but remained unchanged for younger teens and pre-teens aged 10-14. Only Hispanic teens noted a decline in the birth rate, which fell 2 percent in 2007 to 81.7 births per 1,000.

Unmarried childbearing increased to historic levels in 2007 for women aged 15-44. An estimated 1.7 million babies were born to unmarried women in 2007, accounting for 39.7 percent of all births in the United States — an increase of 4 percent from 2006. Unmarried childbearing has increased 26 percent since 2002 when the recent steep increases began.

The report, “Births: Preliminary Data for 2007,” from CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics is based on an analysis of nearly 99 percent of birth records reported by 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories as part of the National Vital Statistics System.

Other findings:

  • Total U.S. births rose in 2007 to over 4,317,119, the highest number of births ever registered in the United States.
  • The cesarean delivery rate rose 2 percent in 2007, to 31.8 percent, marking the 11th consecutive year of increase and another record high for the United States.
  • The percentage of low birthweight babies declined slightly between 2006 and 2007, from 8.3 percent to 8.2 percent. This is the first decline in the percentage of low birthweight babies since 1984.
  • The preterm birth rate (infants delivered at less than 37 weeks of pregnancy) decreased 1 percent in 2007 to 12.7 percent. The decline was seen mostly among infants born late preterm (between 34 and 36 weeks).

The full report and a separate report with state births data are available at www.cdc.gov/nchs.


Categories

Archives

Blogroll

Meta