Medical Beat
UM School of Medicine Team Cracks Genomic Code of Bacterium Outbreak
Bromberg named Head of UM School of Medicine Transplantation
A team led by the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Institute for Genome Sciences recently unraveled the genomic code of the E.coli bacterium that caused in May a deadly outbreak in Germany. More than 50 people have died as a result of the outbreak, which has sickened thousands in Germany, Sweden and the United States. Within a few days, the team of worldwide researchers analyzed the genomics of outbreak samples, as well as closely-related strains. Then, researchers combine the findings with the biology and evolution of the bacteria. The quick analysis helped physicians treating those who were infected, as well as epidemiologists trying to trace the pathogen’s source.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine has named Jonathan S. Bromberg, M.D., head of the Division of Transplantation within the Department of Surgery. Dr. Bromberg, a professor of surgery and of microbiology and immunology, received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and a Ph.D. in immunology from the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. He conducted postgraduate research at University College in London before becoming chief resident at the University of Washington Affiliated Hospitals in Seattle. He also completed a fellowship in the Division of Transplantation of the Department of Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Bromberg’s research focuses on cellular and molecular immunology in transplantation.
Franklin Square Achieves Pediatric Asthma Certification
Director of St. Joseph Medical Center’s Breast Center Recognized by Tigerlily Foundation Michael J. Schultz, MD, the medical director of the Breast Center at St. Joseph Medical Center’s Cancer Institute, was recently honored at the Tiger lily Foundation’s 3rd annual Gala – called the EmPower Ball – in Washington, D.C. as a recipient of the Inspire Award. The Tigerlily Foundation is a national organization based in Washington, D.C., that provides special support for young women under age 40 faced with breast cancer that is often in the advanced stages of disease. Maima Karmo, who founded the organization after her own triumph over Stage IV, triple negative breast cancer, identified the very special care provided at St. Joseph’s Breast Center, under the direction of Dr. Schultz, as the “ideal model of care” which should be available to all women. Ms. Karmo struggled for a year to be diagnosed. In contrast, St. Joseph’s Breast Center offers “No More Sleepless Nights” ™, which not only provides a prompt diagnosis but is accompanied by a seamless, integrated, and individualized approach for treating women faced with the journey through breast cancer. "No More Sleepless Nights" was developed by Dr. Schultz, who has been in practice in Baltimore for 40 years. It is based on his own personal approach to patient care. For more information, visit www.tigerlilyfoundation.org.
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The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations recently honored Franklin Square Hospital Center with a certificate of distinction for its pediatric asthma management program. Asthma is the most frequent cause of hospitalization for children at Franklin Square Hospital Center. To address the disorder, the hospital introduced its asthma program in December 2008 through its Pediatric Emergency Department and inpatient units. By using a team approach, the program works to raise the standard of care by consistently and efficiently managing pediatric asthma patients. Franklin Square is one of only seven hospitals and organizations in the country and one of two in Maryland to receive the certificate.
New Certificate For Physician Assistants The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) has announced its new Certificate of Added Qualifications program for certified physician assistants practicing in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, emergency medicine, nephrology, orthopedic surgery and psychiatry. Physician assistants can build on their NCCPA generalist certification by earning a CAQ. For more information, visit www.nccpa.net