October Faculty and Staff Newsletter

The DOM Dispatch - October, 2020

Monthly newsletter for the CU Department of Medicine. In this issue:

-Faculty Recognition Event Featuring Thomas Cech

-Call for Applications: School of Medicine Bridge Funding

-Spark | Reach Colorado Accepting Applications

-Social Justice Teach-In

-Get your Flu Shot

Website

Newsroom

Message from the Chair

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Covid-19 continues to swiftly change our priorities, dominating our attention and resources. As a result, we recognize that everyone has been affected differently during this pandemic, from managing stress and anxiety to trying to balance increased work and home demands simultaneously.

In short order, Covid also comes at a time when many of our colleagues have less time to seek help for themselves. This was recently highlighted in a statement from the AAMC: “There are numerous systemic and other sources for the high levels of stress and burnout that have long plagued health professionals, and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is only exacerbating the problem. Yet, stigma, bias, and other barriers can hinder health professionals from seeking and receiving care for new or ongoing mental and behavioral health challenges.”

Thankfully, we are part of an institution that is committed to removing barriers for seeking help – and provides critical resources to help our employees during this unprecedented time. I’d like to remind everyone in the Department of Medicine of some of these important resources, which are also highlighted on our department’s COVID-19 webpage:

Child and Eldercare Resources:
The campus announced yesterday a new family care program, including membership to Care.com, daycare tuition discounts and subsidized backup care for children and adults.

Mental Health Resources:
New faculty and staff mental health clinic is now up and running. Virtual appointments can be set up by calling 303-724-4987 or by visiting their website to schedule.
CU Helen & Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center – another integrated care option located on campus and available to faculty and staff. They also offer diverse programming on wellbeing in the workplace.
Department of Psychiatry resources for healthcare providers – from toolkits, to podcasts and articles.

WellDOM Champions: every division is supported by our department’s Wellness Champions, who help promote a culture of wellness and resources to our employees. Reach out to them as they are here to support you. Read on further in this newsletter on all the offerings provided by our WellDOM team.

Research and Delayed Promotion Support: in addition to the promotion extension offer that was granted earlier this year, we’re also looking at ways we can help our research community gain back the lost research time due to Covid.

Finally, resources are only as good as the quality connections they can provide. Please continue to check in on one another. You never know when you have the opportunity to lift someone up who may need it the most. Our mental health is a collective responsibility, so let’s make sure we take care of each other.

As always, please continue to reach out, let me know your concerns, stay well, and stay connected.

David A. Schwartz, MD

Professor of Medicine and Immunology

Robert W. Schrier Chair of Medicine

COVID-19 Campus Resources

School Of Medicine (password protected – use your CU credentials)

Division of Infectious Diseases

Department of Psychiatry COVID-19 Support

Faculty Advancement

Program Updates

Faculty Advancement Office Initiatives – monthly faculty development activities handout highlighting opportunities in the Department of Medicine and School of Medicine.

Junior Faculty Mentoring Program

New faculty – a mentor identification form is due to the Faculty Advancement Office within 90 days of your start date. Additional information around requirements and online forms can be found here.
Requirement reminder – 2 mentor progress reports are due by Dec 31, 2020. Please submit online forms here. Questions: DomFacAdvancement@ucdenver.edu

Mid-Career Faculty Women's Leadership Development Program

Session 4 scheduled for Oct 22. Successful delivery of Session 3 – "Who Tells Your Story: Storytelling and Purpose" by Dr. Chris Bell on Sept 17. Registration for second cohort in 2021 is forthcoming. Questions: DomFacAdvancement@ucdenver.edu

Nobel Prize Recipient Thomas Cech Headlines DOM's Faculty Recognition Virtual Event

The Department of Medicine's Annual Faculty Recognition Event will be held on Thursday, Oct 29 from 5:30-7pm via Zoom.

Join us as we celebrate our colleagues' accomplishments, including recognizing the 2020 Faculty Innovator Awardees, the DOM 2020 Rising Stars and the DOM 2020 Outstanding Early Scholars.

Headlining the event is keynote speaker Thomas Cech, PhD, University of Colorado distinguished professor and Nobel Prize recipient. Dr. Cech’s keynote address is titled: “Training, Mentoring, and a little Cancer Research”.

For any questions regarding the event, please reach out to Sonia Flores at sonia.flores@cuanschutz.edu.

LEADERSHIP 101: Being a Patient Leader

During times of stress and uncertainty, it can be challenging to maintain patience with ourselves and others. Harvard Business Review provides several benefits to being a patient leader and how to adapt this into your leadership practice.

By re-thinking our understanding of speed and practicing gratitude, leaders are able to utilize and lead with patience to boost their teams productivity and innovation moving forward - Becoming a More Patient Leader; Harvard Business Review; David Sluss 9/2/2020.

Currently Harvard Business Review offers special coronavirus coverage for leading and working through a pandemic. These resources are available here. Also, did you know the Harvard Business Review is available to all faculty and staff through our Strauss Health Sciences Library’s organization subscription to the journal? (Journal search “Harvard Business Review”).

For additional leadership resources, please review the Leading through Crisis resource document on the DOM COVID-19 webpage.

DOM Initiatives - Diversity & Justice

Statement in Response to the Executive Order Banning Workplace Diversity Training Programs

Within the Department of Medicine, we believe fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment maximizes the unique talents and innovative ideas of every individual and collectively makes us stronger with more impactful accomplishments. Our commitment to promote cultural competency throughout our department is displayed by who we are and our actions – how we care for our patients, supporting research that impacts underrepresented populations, recruiting and supporting career development of underrepresented trainees, faculty, and staff, and encouraging our trainees and faculty to find ways to reduce health disparities.

Last week, an executive order was issued that bans workplace diversity training programs, calling such training to make workplaces more equitable as “anti-American”. While the ban extends to federal agency and contractors, we wholly disagree with this misguided policy. Read more.

Unconscious Bias Training Workshops

These customizable workshops, offered by Sonia Flores, PhD, vice chair for Diversity and Justice, are available to divisions and groups throughout the Department of Medicine. The goals of the workshops are to raise awareness of unconscious bias and provide the steps individuals can take to prevent biased attitudes and behaviors from interfering with workplace decisions and interactions.

If interested in scheduling a workshop for your group, please contact sonia.flores@cuanschutz.edu.

Social Justice Teach-in: Whose Black Lives Matter? The Political Influence of Racial Appeals on Instagram

Social Media has an increasingly large influence on American politics. Dr. Chaya Crowder's research explores the ways in which posts of protest images on Instagram shape public opinion. Join this session on Oct 16.

The presentation will go from 11am-noon, and breakout sessions will follow from noon-1pm. Register by Oct 9.

Free Lecture Series: Intersections of Race, Class, and Health

This year-long lecture series, hosted by the Center for Bioethics and Humanities, explores how racism directly and indirectly impacts health and health care in the United States.

RSVP for the first virtual presentation by Dr. Damon Tweedy, MD on Oct 19. Dr. Tweedy is the author of "Black Man in a White Coat: A Doctor's Reflections on Race and Medicine," this year's One Book One Campus selection.

Research and Innovation

The Department of Medicine’s Research & Innovation Conference, held on Thursdays from noon-1pm via Zoom, is a regularly scheduled ‘research-in-progress’ style forum to enable and enhance research outcomes by encouraging faculty to share their research ideas, designs and results with their colleagues to receive feedback. Click here for the Zoom link and the 2020-21 schedule.

Call for Applications: School of Medicine Bridge Funding

The SOM Bridge Funding program was established in 2006 when reductions in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget began to threaten the viability of faculty research projects. The programs purpose is to provide support to principal investigators while they re-apply for funding. Applications are due Oct 15. Questions may be addressed to Peter Buttrick, MD, Sr. Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Read more.

SPARK | Reach Colorado Accepting Applications

SPARK | Reach Colorado program aims to support translational projects addressing unmet medical needs. Applications are now being accepted for the fourth cohort, The program provides up to $200,000, mentorship, education and advising for promising product proposals. Applications are due Oct 21 by 5pm. Read more.

CCTSI Research Studio Dates

Get expert advice on your research project. The Research Studio Program is currently taking requests for sessions to be held virtually on:

Oct 9
Nov 12
Dec 10

Access the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C) Data Enclave

The National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C) Data Enclave, funded by NCATS of the NIH, is now open to scientists looking for evidence-based answers to COVID-19 research questions. CCTSI Informatics Director Tell Bennett, MD, MS, is playing a leadership role with N3C as co-lead of the Clinical Scenarios and Analytics team. CU has already signed a data use agreement with the N3C that will ensure CCTSI researchers may access the data with relative ease.

Help us Learn More about Immune Responses to COVID-19: Health Care Worker Study

CU Anschutz is conducting a study to learn more about SARS-CoV-2 virus by collecting data and banking samples from health care workers. These samples, as well as your health data, will be used to better understand the virus by developing new, experimental tests for diagnosis and antibody identification of the virus, as well as to identify potential prevention or treatment opportunities. Read more.

HIV T32 - ADEAR Training Program - Deadline Extended

The ADEAR Training Program has extended the application deadline to Oct 15 for post-doctoral training in HIV/AIDS-related research for the 2020-21 academic year. This integrative program provides multidisciplinary training in basic, translational and clinical science in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) research. Read more.

Faculty Research Highlights

Craig Jordan, PhD, head of the Division of Hematology, was awarded a seven-year R35 to study, "Therapeutic Targeting of Human AML Stem Cells", from the National Cancer Institute.

Dan Sherbenou, MD, PhD, assistant professor in the Division of Hematology, is the project co-lead on a new supplement under the Cancer Center CCSG P30 grant.

Christopher Gignoux, PhD, associate professor in the Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, received an R01 from NIH/NHLBI on "Polygenic Risk Scores for Diverse Populations - Bridging Research and Clinical Care".

The R21 proposal “Development and evaluation of a palliative-transitional home health care model” has been funded by the NIA. The investigators on this grant include Christine Jones, MD, associate professor in the Division of Hospital Medicine as PI, and co-Is are Hillary Lum, MD, associate professor in the Division of Geriatrics; Amy Huebschmann, MD, associate professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine; Brooke Dorsey-Holliman, PhD, assistant professor in the Division of Family Medicine; and Caroline Tietbohl, MA, instructor in the Division of Family Medicine.

Marisha Burden, MD, division head and associate professor in the Division of Hospital Medicine and Angela Keniston, PhD, data and analytics manager in the Division of Hospital Medicine received funding for their Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) proposal, "Inpatient Provider Rounding Prioritization of Patients Ready for Discharge".

General Internal Medicine's team including CT Lin, MD, professor; Amber Sieja, MD, associate professor; Rich Altman, MD, assistant professor; Jeanie Youngwerth, MD, associate professor, and their colleagues' article, "Clinical Informatics Accelerates Health System Adaptation to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Examples from Colorado" was recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association. The article highlights several innovations their team developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to support and enhance patient care.

Faculty Publications

Education

Call for Applications: 2021-22 Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine Fellowship

The CU Office of Women in Medicine and Science (WIMS) is soliciting applications for the initial phase in selection of the CU School of Medicine’s nominee for the 2021-2022 Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) Fellowship. This program is a year-long part-time fellowship for women faculty dedicated to developing the professional and personal skills required to lead and manage in the academic medical center environment.

The School of Medicine Dean’s Office will support one candidate to attend ELAM. Applications are due Oct 9 by 5pm. Read more.

COAST-IT (Connect Older Adults and Students through Interprofessional Telecare)

Kicking off the first week of October, COAST-IT has more than 150 pharmacy and nursing students participating and teaming up with residents who are living in long-term care or assisted living communities.

Students connect weekly via phone with a resident and will become weekly phone buddies to help these residents feel less socially isolated. For the students, they will gain experience in improving their communication skills with older adult residents. More than 30 communities are participating, with nearly 300 long-term care and assisted living residents across Colorado. For more information about this program, please contact Jodi Waterhouse, jodi.waterhouse@cuanschutz.edu or visit: https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/center-on-aging

DOM Initiatives - Wellness

The WellDOM Team (Wellness in the Department of Medicine) is here to support you. Visit our website and the DOM COVID 19 page for resources and information.

Resources

New Faculty and Staff Mental Health Clinic: CU Anschutz faculty and staff have an easily accessible, comprehensive and confidential new resource for mental health services.
Hours: Mental health providers are available Mon and Tues from 8am–8pm and Wed-Fri from 8am-5pm.
Appts: Schedule appointments at 303-724-4987
Location: Fitzsimmons Building 500* *note: all current visits are virtual
Website: https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/psychiatry/programs/faculty-and-staff-mental-health
Email: fsmh@ucdenver.edu
Insurance: The clinic accepts all insurances including the CU Anschutz sponsored Anthem plans; however, at this time the clinic cannot accept insurance from the CU Anschutz sponsored Kaiser Permanente plan. Those with Kaiser can access mental health services by calling 303-471-7700.

CU Johnson Depression Center Community Programs on Wellness and Mental Health: Offering a variety of free education, programs and trainings focus on mental wellness. Read more.

Send an E-card of Gratitude: Created and compiled by WellDOM and sent to the recipient on your behalf. Submit a Message of Gratitude.

Resources for Parents:
New campus family care program, including membership to Care.com, daycare tuition discounts and subsidized backup care for children and adults
Child and Elder Care Resources (directory compiled by CU Human Resources)
UCHealth Childcare and Remote Learning Assistance
Tools to Help Kids Stay Focused During Remote Learning
Mind the Brain: What Brain Science Can Teach Us About Adolescent Stress and Resilience

Upcoming Wellness Events and Workshops

CU Flourish Workshops Available Virtually to DOM Employees

CU Flourish is a resilience curriculum developed and taught by Jennifer Reese, MD from Children's Hospital and is now free and available to DOM employees. Four 1-hour modules are taught in two 2-hour sessions and include information on resilience, mindfulness, values and positive psychology. Read more.

DOM Staff Wellness Presentation: Burnout and Wellness in the Time of COVID- Finding Meaning in the Time of a Pandemic

WellDOM would like to invite research and administrative staff to attend Dr. Dennis Boyle’s presentation, “Burnout and Wellness in the Time of COVID- Finding Meaning in the Time of a Pandemic” on Oct 27 from 11am-noon. Staff should register in advance, as space is limited. Questions? Contact Jordan Deslauriers, staff WellDOM Champion.

Mindful Moments at CU - Guided Meditation Sessions

CU Anschutz’s National Mental Health Innovation Center (NMHIC) is hosting 5-minute guided meditation exercises via a Zoom webinar every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 8am beginning Sept 1. The meditations will focus on stress management in response to COVID-19, and all staff, faculty, and students are welcome to attend. Register here.

CU Anschutz COVID-19 Narratives

Open to all CU Anschutz employees at no cost

5 weeks, 1 writing response each week

20-30 minutes per response

Feedback from a mental health professional

All communications are confidential

WellDOM Champions Monthly Spotlight

James Carter, MD, Assistant Professor

WellDOM Champion for the Division of Cardiology

Why did you volunteer to be a WellDOM Champion?

It was recommended to me because I tend to look at healing holistically and believe in staying healthy with intention. There is significant burnout in healthcare. I lost a former partner to suicide. I would like to help my colleagues however I can.

How do you take care of your own wellbeing?

I love healthy cooking. I have learned to cook and enjoy exploring new tastes with my partner, Lana. I exercise, bike, read, watch movies. I spend time reflecting in writing and enjoy creating poetry.

What are you most excited/passionate about in terms of wellbeing?

I am most passionate about my core value: life is precious. We should make the most of our opportunities and help as many people as we can find joy.

Quality & Safety Program

Upcoming Events

DOM M&M Conference: Tuesday, Oct 13 @ 12-1p via Zoom

Swati Mathur, MD (Infectious Disease) and Aaron Emmons, MD (Cardiology) - Intra-abdominal Abscesses and Antimicrobial Management

DOM Morbidity & Mortality Conferences – Sign up to Present a Case

The DOM QPS team would like to extend an invitation to divisions to schedule case presentations for this monthly conference. Last year, we had a diverse representation from several divisions and we’d love to see the same engagement this academic year.

Determining a case and finding presenters will be done later as we approach your chosen month. Openings are filling up quickly - please sign-up here to choose a month to present a case.

MyHealthConnection COVID-19 Testing Results and PCP Notifications

Thank you to the following DOM faculty for working to ensure PCPs are notified of positive COVID results from patient-self ordered tests: Elena Lebduska, MD (General Internal Medicine), Bradley Changstrom, MD (General Internal Medicine), and Larissa Pisney, MD (Infectious Diseases).

Noteworthy

PROMOTIONS, AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Katrina Claw, PhD, assistant professor, and Audrey Hendricks, PhD, assistant professor, from the Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine both received the 2020 Genomic Innovator Award from the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), part of the National Institutes of Health. Nine institutions are recognized in support of the research of 12 early career scientists in the field of genomics. The awards total up to $27 million over five years, pending the availability of funds.

HIGHLIGHTED MEDIA CLIPS AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH

The Lymphoma Research Foundation recently launched a new publication called, Pulse. Published quarterly, Pulse provides the latest updates on the foundation and their efforts in lymphomas. They are currently planning their Fall 2020 issue focusing on follicular lymphoma and have invited Manali Kamdar, MD, associate professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology to be the featured researcher.

Siri was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Thanks to a clinical trial at the CU Cancer Center and associate professor Daniel Pollyea, MD, and associate professor Jonathan Gutman, MD, she was able to achieve remission with no traditional chemotherapy and while being treated mainly as an outpatient. She then went on to a bone marrow transplant intended to cure the disease permanently. Read more.

DOM NEWSROOM

Beyond the Headlines: Oct Feature

Master Meal Prepping Made Easy

Let's take a break from the usual headlines...

Check out these 12 make-ahead recipes, courtesy of the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center. Double the ingredients and freeze individual portions for easy reheating throughout the week. Find more healthy recipes here. Join the AHWC on Tuesday evenings for their virtual cooking classes.