By UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL BRANCH
The University of Texas Medical Branch will conduct an “active shooter” training exercise from noon to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday on the ground floor level of Old Red and the adjacent Lee Hage Jamail Student Center on the Galveston campus. The active shooter will not be using a real gun as she simulates shooting. Be aware that UTMB police participating in the drill will be wearing and using military-style tactical gear. UTMB periodically conducts these exercises to conform to state law training for students as well as to ensure that several organizations, including the police and communications departments, are as prepared as possible for an event of this kind.
Chung named chair of neuroscience and cell biology
Jin Mo Chung, Ph.D., has been appointed chair of the department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology. Chung, who holds the Cecil H. and Ida Green Distinguished University Chair in Neuroscience, had been interim chair since February 2013. One of Chung’s most notable contributions to the field of neuroscience is the development of a chronic pain model, known as the “Chung Model.” His two papers on the development of the model have been cited more than 6,000 times in scientific literature. The model is now used worldwide to test and develop new analgesic drugs for managing pain.
Wagner new chair of psychiatry and behavioral sciences
Dr. Karen Dineen Wagner has been selected chair of the department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. She also holds the Titus Harris, M.D., Endowed Chair in Psychiatry. Wagner is president of the American Association of Directors of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and president-elect of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She is editor of the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry’s child and adolescent section and has served as a member of the National Advisory Mental Health Council of the National Institutes of Health.
Glaser new director of pediatric gastroenterology
Dr. Andrea M. Glaser joined UTMB as the director of the division of pediatric gastroenterology and a professor in the department of pediatrics. She received her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and completed her pediatric residency and pediatric gastroenterology fellowship there as well. Glaser sees patients with gastrointestinal diseases from birth through adolescence and has a particular interest in nutrition and infant-feeding disorders. She has conducted research regarding medications used to treat reflux in infancy. Glaser is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in General Pediatrics and board-eligible in pediatric gastroenterology.
Beach given Heroes Award
Dr. Robert Beach, professor emeritus in UTMB’s department of internal medicine, division of nephrology, and faculty adviser for St. Vincent’s Hope Clinic in Galveston, received the 2015 Houston’s Heroes Award at the ministry’s annual St. Vincent’s Day celebration last month. In addition to Beach, 21 UTMB student directors of the Hope clinic also were recognized for their volunteer service. The student-run clinic is a cooperative effort between UTMB and St. Vincent’s House, committed to providing quality health care to the underserved people in Galveston County.
Inside UTMB is compiled by the communications department at the University of Texas Medical Branch.