HOUSTON
SHSU-COM Awarded $500K to Expand Rural Residency Training and Healthcare Access
By Brittany Foreman
Sam Houston State University
College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM), based in Conroe and impacting communities across Texas, has been awarded a $500,000 grant through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Rural Resident Physician Program (RRPP). In partnership with Huntsville Memorial Hospital (HMH) and the Sam Houston Regional Education Consortium (SHREC), the funding supports expansion of the Huntsville Rural Family Medicine Residency Program. This initiative addresses the region’s growing demand for primary care providers.
The grant allows SHSU-COM to recruit faculty and leadership to support the residency’s growth and strengthen its academic infrastructure. New positions include a Director of Rural Education who will serve as core faculty, help expand the program from four to six residents per year, and lead development of a rural training track (RTT) in partnership with one of SHSU-COM’s clinical affiliates. These additions will enhance training quality and increase capacity to serve underserved communities.
“We’re building more than just a residency. We’re building a rural workforce pipeline,” said Thomas J. Mohr, D.O., dean of SHSU-COM. “This grant allows us to expand our residency and create rural pathways that prepare physicians for long-term service in communities like ours.”
Residency expansion is especially important in Walker County, where the physician-to-population ratio remains below state and national averages. According to the 2024 County Health Rankings, Walker County has only one primary care physician for every 3,710 residents.
This figure is more than twice the Texas average and nearly three times the national average. The same report notes preventable hospital stays in the county are significantly higher than both state and national benchmarks. These figures reflect limited access to routine and preventive care.
Walker County’s population is projected to exceed 118,000 by 2040, according to the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC). Nearly 20 percent of that growth is expected among residents aged 65 and older. This age group often requires more frequent and complex medical care. As the region grows and ages, the demand for healthcare services will increase.
“Physicians tend to practice where they train,” said Townes “Tucker” Leigh, D.O., program director of the HMH Family Medicine Residency. “Our goal is to immerse residents in the challenges and opportunities of rural medicine from day one. With this expansion, we can offer that experience to more residents and ultimately retain more providers in the region.”
Launched in 2023, the Huntsville Rural Family Medicine Residency Program will reach its original capacity of 12 residents (four per year) by 2025.
The RRPP grant positions the program to grow to 18 residents and establish its first RTT site focused on high-need rural areas in East Texas.
SHSU-COM faculty provide clinical and academic oversight, while HMH serves as the primary training site through its Rural Health Clinic. The collaboration has already expanded training opportunities for medical students and improved access to care in the region. The grant will support additional faculty recruitment, new clinical partnerships, and continued development of graduate medical education infrastructure.
“This funding reflects the state’s commitment to sustainable rural training models,” said Gretchen Holmes, PhD, associate dean for graduate medical education and designated institutional official (DIO).
“With these new positions, we are growing a system of training that responds directly to the needs of rural Texas communities.”
To view open positions related to this expansion and other full-time faculty roles at SHSU College
The Memorial Hermann Institute for Nursing Excellence wins Excellence in Nursing Award
Legal Matters
DOJ Announces Intent to Use False Claims Act To Target Diversity and DEI Initiatives
By Jessica Andrade, J.D.
Daniel Petkoff, J.D.
Polsinelli, PC
The Department of Justice (DOJ) will use the False Claims Act (FCA) to investigate and pursue claims against entities that violate federal civil rights laws including anti-discrimination and equal employment opportunity obligations, which may include diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
The DOJ has announced a new “Civil Rights Fraud Initiative”
under which it will use the FCA to pursue claims against institutions for violating civil rights laws including the anti-discrimination and equal employment opportunity obligations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VII”).
Under the FCA, 31 USC § 3720, the government may recover treble damages and penalties from any recipient of federal funds that makes a false claim for such funds. Under this Initiative, DOJ is targeting recipients of federal funds who “falsely certify” compliance with federal civil rights laws. DOJ specifically outlined situations in which it believes institutions–in particular universities–may violate civil rights laws and thus provide a basis for an FCA case, including: “encourage[ing] antisemitism, refus[ing] to protect Jewish students, allow[ing] men to intrude into women’s bathrooms, or require[ing] women to compete against
men in athletic competitions.”
The Administration’s Anti-DEI Efforts
This Initiative is part of the administrations’ larger effort to combat DEI and other policies, as articulated in President Trump’s Executive Order 14151, “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing;” Executive Order 14168, “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government;” and Executive Order 14173, “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.”
The Initiative is an early indication of the enforcement steps DOJ will be taking to further the Executive Orders.
Legal Challenges to Anti-DEI Efforts
The administration’s anti-DEI
Executive Orders have already been subject to numerous legal challenges.
For example, in National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education v. Trump, Case No. 25-1189 (D.M.D.), plaintiffs argued the orders violated the First Amendment’s free speech protections and the Fifth Amendment’s due process clause. Though successful at the district court level, on March 14, 2025, the Fourth Circuit stayed the district court’s preliminary injunction pending appeal.
In Chicago Women in Trades v. Trump, Case No 25-2005 (N.D. Ill), a similar case, the district court issued a nationwide injunction on April 14,
Fully-Robotic Heart Transplant Surgery Performed at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center
By Staff
Surgeons at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center successfully performed a fully robotic heart transplant on an adult patient – the first reported in the United States.
Using a surgical robot, lead surgeon Dr. Kenneth Liao and his team made small, precise incisions, eliminating the need to open the chest and break the breast bone. Liao removed the diseased heart, and the new heart was implanted through preperitoneal space, avoiding chest incision.
“Opening the chest and spreading the breastbone can affect wound healing and delay rehabilitation and prolong the patient’s recovery, especially in heart transplant patients who take immunosuppressants,” said Liao, professor and chief of cardiothoracic transplantation and circulatory support at Baylor College of Medicine and chief of cardiothoracic transplantation
and mechanical circulatory support at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center. “With the robotic approach, we preserve the integrity of the chest wall, which reduces the risk of infection and helps with early mobility, respiratory function and overall recovery.”
In addition to less surgical trauma, the clinical benefits of robotic heart transplant surgery include avoiding excessive bleeding from cutting the bone and reducing the need for blood transfusions, which minimizes the risk of developing antibodies against the transplanted heart.
Before the transplant surgery, the 45-year-old patient had been hospitalized with advanced heart failure since November 2024 and required multiple mechanical devices to support his heart function. He received a heart transplant in early March 2025 and after heart transplant surgery, he spent a month in the hospital before being discharged home, without
complications.
“Becoming the home of this medical breakthrough in robotic heart transplantation further establishes Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center as a worldwide health care leader,” said Dr. Bradley T. Lembcke, hospital president. “This pinnacle in heart transplantation brings great pride to our hospital and adds to its legacy of medical achievements and caring for the most complex health conditions that only advanced healthcare systems can treat successfully.”
“This transplant shows what is possible when innovation and surgical experience come together to improve patient care. Our goal is to offer patients the safest, most effective and least invasive procedures, and robotic technology allows us to do that in extraordinary ways,” said Liao.
“This robotic heart transplantation represents a remarkable, giant step forward in making even the most complex surgery safer and we are delighted to offer this great success to the world,” said Dr. Todd Rosengart,
chair of the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery at Baylor.
Dr. Kenneth Liao of Baylor College of Medicine speaks to the first patient in the United States to undergo a fully robotic heart transplant. Liao and his team performed the surgery at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in early March.
Oncology Research When
Your Cancer Returns: Understanding, Coping, and Moving Forward
By Victor H. Barnica, M.D., FACS, FASCRS, Texas Colon and Rectal Specialists Texas Oncology
Whena patient reaches the end of cancer treatment and hears their physician say, “There is no evidence of disease,” it is a moment of celebration. But for some, being cancer-free is only temporary, and it may be a shock to learn your cancer has returned.
Cancer recurrence — the return of cancer after a period of remission — is a possibility for any cancer survivor. Whether it reappears in the same location or spreads to other parts of the body, navigating the challenges of recurrent cancer requires resilience,
support, and informed decision-making with one’s medical team and loved ones.
Understanding
According to the American Cancer Society, almost 1 in 3 men and women in the U.S. are expected to face cancer in their lifetimes. Of the 18.6 million cancer survivors in the U.S. as of May 2025, some of these will face cancer more than once.
While the recurrence rates for specific cancer types are hard to measure long-term, what is known is that the likelihood of recurrence depends on the type and stage of cancer.
Cancer can recur in the same spot, in nearby tissues or lymph nodes, or it can appear in a completely different part of the body. Recurrence may happen due to:
• Some cancer cells being left behind during initial treatment, or having
spread to other parts of the body before initial treatment
• The development of treatmentresistant cancer cells over time
• Certain tumor characteristics, such as the ability to lie dormant for long periods
• Using tobacco products, obesity, lack of exercise, and excess alcohol consumption can correlate with increased recurrence risk
Coping
The recurrence of cancer can evoke a wide range of emotions. A study to understand how cancer affects self-perception, body image, and mental
and emotional health found that 70% of survey respondents experienced one or more symptoms of depression and 65% experienced anxiety.
Proactively addressing symptoms of depression or anxiety can help people cope more effectively with the emotional impact of cancer recurrence. However, the same study showed that only one-third of respondents sought out resources to help cope with physical and mental side effects of cancer treatment and only 25% sought
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Cognitive Impairment Common After Cardiogenic Shock, Study Shows
By Staff
UTSW researchers followed shock survivors after hospital discharge and found high rates of cognitive impairment, suggesting need for screening, referrals to aid recovery
Many survivors of cardiogenic shock showed evidence of new cognitive impairment after leaving the hospital, according to a study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers. The findings, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, highlight a need to screen survivors and provide referrals to neuropsychology experts, the authors said.
“Our study demonstrated that nearly two-thirds of cardiogenic shock survivors experienced cognitive impairment within three months of hospital discharge, underscoring a critical but overlooked aspect of recovery,” said senior investigator James de Lemos, M.D., Professor of Internal
Medicine and Chief of the Division of Cardiology at UT Southwestern. “The findings are important for developing interventions that focus not only on improving survival but also on preventing or mitigating the functional consequences of cardiogenic shock, including cognitive decline.”
Cardiogenic shock affects approximately 100,000 Americans each year, resulting from heart failure, heart attack, or complications following cardiac surgery. The condition, which occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, has historically resulted in high mortality.
With advances in treatment during the past two decades, up to 70% of patients suffering from cardiogenic shock can now survive. But there is limited understanding of survivors’ recovery and quality of life after they leave the hospital.
“Our study is the first to systematically examine the cognitive
SHOULDN’T YOU BENEFIT
outcomes of cardiogenic shock survivors, evaluating how cognition impacts patients’ ability to return to daily activities,” said Eric Hall, M.D., a clinical fellow in the Division of Cardiology who was the study leader and first author. “We found that cardiogenic shock is associated with cognitive impairment, which is an under-recognized consequence strongly linked to patients’ overall quality of life.”
UTSW researchers conducted the study by enrolling 141 patients from William P. Clements Jr. University
Hospital and Parkland Memorial Hospital who had survived cardiogenic shock before being discharged. To establish a baseline, family members completed a questionnaire, the AD8 survey, about the patients’ cognitive function before hospitalization. Before discharge, each patient completed an assessment, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Blind (bMoCA), to screen for signs of cognitive impairment. Three months
Impairment ...page 13
James de Lemos, M.D., (left) Professor of Internal Medicine and Chief of the Division of Cardiology at UT Southwestern, was the study’s senior investigator. He holds the Sweetheart Ball - Kern Wildenthal, M.D., Ph.D. Distinguished Chair in Cardiology. Eric Hall, M.D., clinical fellow in the Division of Cardiology at UT Southwestern, was the study leader and first author. see
University Of Texas Medical Branch Cancer Researchers Granted Nearly $5M
Grants From the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas Are Awarded to Researchers, Companies and Projects Focused on Cancer Research and Prevention
By University of Texas Medical Branch
Researchers at The University of Texas Medical Branch have been awarded a total of nearly $5 million in grants from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to forward their work.
In all, CPRIT approved 61 grants totaling more than $93 million. The UTMB grantees are:
• Dr. Abbey Berenson, $2,499,990: Expanding Opportunities for HPV Vaccination in Medically Underserved Areas of East Texas
• Dr. William Russell, $1,999, 492: A Targeted Proteomics and Metabolomics Mass Spectrometry Core Facility at UTMB
• Dr. Jia Zhou, $250,000: Novel BTK Degraders for Refractory Lymphoma: Targeting Catalytic and Allosteric Sites
• Dr. Xun Sun, $2,000,000: Recruitment of First-Time, Tenure-Track Faculty Members
Berenson’s focus is reducing HPV-associated cancers in Southeast Texas by increasing prevention education, access to screenings, HPV vaccines and treatment among underserved populations, she said, adding that East Texas has one of the highest rates of vaccine hesitancy and cervical cancer in the state because many residents cannot afford the vaccine, cannot find providers who speak their language and/or are simply unaware of
how this vaccine saves lives.
Berenson developed a combination of unique interventions to improve HPV vaccination rates in the area, dramatically increasing the number of East Texas residents who began and completed the HPV vaccine series.
“CPRIT funding has been instrumental in helping us reach a large number of patients in East Texas and provide them with education about the HPV vaccine,” Berenson said. “To date we have administered over 9,000 doses and we are thrilled to be able to continue this work. This will help us reduce the number of individuals who
suffer from HPV-related cancers.”
The goal of Russell’s work is to bring the latest mass spectrometry tools and expertise to cancer researchers in Texas. Mass spectrometry helps scientists study tiny changes in proteins, fats and other molecules in the body to help find diseases early, predict how they will progress and discover new treatments.
“The proposed core will accelerate the molecular level understanding of diseases in order
see UTMB ...page 14
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Healthy Heart
When The Heat Rises, So Do Heart Risks: What You Need to Know
By American Heart Association
It’s summer and record high temperatures are already being reported across much of the U.S. with a forecasted heatwave that could smash records in the Northeast and Midwest That’s prompted the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, to issue important warnings about taking extra precautions to stay safe in extremely high temperatures.
According to the U.S. Centers from Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1,200 people die in the U.S. each year as a direct cause of extreme heat. That number is rising substantially – as is the number of people dying from heat related-
cardiovascular disease. A study published in the American Heart Association’s flagship, peer-reviewed journal Circulation predicts that cardiovascular disease deaths related to extreme heat may more than double over the next two decades.
Heat and dehydration cause the heart to work harder, putting it under significant stress. This can be particularly problematic for those with heart conditions and older adults. Certain heart medications, such as beta blockers, ace receptor blockers, ace inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and diuretics (which deplete the body of sodium), can exaggerate the body’s response to heat. The Association suggests those who have been prescribed these medications
take extra precautions during heat waves but continue to take their medications unless told otherwise by their health care professional. Precautions to take during these hot days of summer:
• Watch the clock: It’s best to avoid the outdoors in the early afternoon (about noon to 3 p.m.) because the sun is usually at its strongest, putting you at higher risk for heat-related illnesses.
• Dress for the heat: Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
in breathable fabrics such as cotton, or a newer fabric that repels sweat.
• Drink up: Stay hydrated by drinking a few cups of water before, during and after going outside or exercising. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.
• Take regular breaks: Find some shade or a cool place, stop for a few minutes, hydrate and start again.
The Memorial Hermann Institute for Nursing Excellence wins Excellence in Nursing Award from Texas Nurses Foundation
TheMemorial Hermann Institute for Nursing Excellence (INE) has been recognized by Texas Nurses Foundation (TNF) with a 2025 Nursing TEAM Excellence Award.
“I want to congratulate the Memorial Hermann Institute for Nursing Excellence on their well-deserved 2025 Nursing TEAM Excellence Award,” said Bryan Sisk, SVP and Chief Nursing Officer, Memorial Hermann Health System. “This recognition underscores the team’s profound impact on patient care and the nursing profession. Their dedication to innovation, patient-centered care, and fostering a thriving environment for nurses is truly shaping the future of health care.”
The INE was selected for the
Nursing TEAM Excellence Award for its innovative approach to transforming patient care through research, collaboration and workforce development. As a forward-thinking entity within Memorial Hermann, the INE is dedicated to reimagining care at the bedside and beyond. It also creates a dynamic environment that fosters clinical excellence and innovation. By aligning with academic partners, the INE has expanded entry-to-health care programs and supported those who are interested in pursuing advanced education and leadership opportunities.
The INE team who will be recognized during the TNF Excellence in Nursing Gala on June 6 in Austin includes:
• Caitlin McVey MBA, RN, CPHQ, CLSSBB
• Daphne Savva MIB, MBA
• Jody Collins DNP, RN, NPD-BC
• Jessica Peterson PhD, RN
• Taj Bhaloo PhD, MHA
• Beth Cook DNP, RN, CNL, NPD-BC, CHSE, CCRN
• Austin Burk MBA
• Tendeka Smith BSN, RN, RNC-MNN
• Kemi Banigo MBA
• Heather Mahon
• Debbie Davis
Pictured (left to right): Austin Burke, Daphne Savva, Jody Collins, Caitlin McVey, Beth Cook, and Jessica Peterson. Team members not pictured: Teni Smith, Taj Bhaloo, Kemi Banigo, Heather Mahon and Debbie Davis.
Texas A&M Recognized by Fast Company’s ‘World Changing Ideas’ for Alzheimer’s Disease Breakthrough
Innovative Alzheimer’s Nasal Spray Therapy Could Slow Cognitive Decline and Improve Quality of Life for Patients and Caregivers
By Texas A&M University Division of Marketing and Communications
Thehonor comes on the heels of being named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies earlier this year. (Texas A&M Health Marketing and Communications)
Texas A&M University has been named a 2025 Fast Company World Changing Ideas honoree for a promising new nasal spray therapy that could transform how Alzheimer’s disease is
managing one of the most devastating neurodegenerative diseases of our time.
“The impact will be huge,” said Shetty, a University Distinguished Professor of cell biology and genetics and associate director of the Texas A&M Institute for Regenerative Medicine. “Alzheimer’s disease not only affects patients, but also the family members, the caregivers. So, if you postpone cognitive decline by 10 years, the quality of life of both patients and family members would dramatically improve.”
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treated.
The therapy, developed by Ashok K. Shetty, PhD, and his team at the Texas A&M College of Medicine—part of Texas A&M Health—was selected in the Academic Excellence category, which celebrates breakthrough innovations coming out of higher education. This year’s awards drew more than 1,500 entries from around the world, with winners selected for their ingenuity, scalability and potential for real-world change.
Using neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles, the intranasal treatment is designed to reduce brain inflammation and slow cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The non-invasive approach has shown promising results in preclinical studies and could offer a new pathway for
While the therapy is still in the research phase, the recognition underscores the potential of Texas A&M’s biomedical scientists to address major public health challenges through innovation.
“This recognition from Fast Company affirms the bold, transformative research happening at Texas A&M,” said General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III, president of Texas A&M. “Our world-class scientists are not only advancing knowledge, but they’re also delivering solutions that improve lives.”
Texas A&M’s innovative nasal spray joins, among others, Dassault Systemes’ next-gen artificial heart,
...page 13
Financial Forecast
Medicaid and the Cost of Aging: What to Know if You Can’t Afford Long-Term Care
By Grace S. Yung, CFP Midtown Financial Group, LLC
As Americans live longer, retirement planning must now account for rising healthcare and long-term care costs—especially for those facing chronic conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. These costs can quickly drain a lifetime of savings, and for people without adequate long-term care insurance—or who couldn’t qualify— Medicaid may be the last resort.
The Growing Cost of Long-Term
Care
Longer lifespans bring greater financial strain. According to Fidelity, a 65-year-old couple retiring in 2024 can expect to spend $315,000 on
When Insurance Isn’t an Option
Long-term care insurance can be expensive or unavailable for those with pre-existing conditions. For these individuals, Medicaid may offer vital support. But it’s important to understand how it works and who qualifies.
How Medicaid Covers Long-Term Care
Unlike Medicare — which generally does not cover long-term nursing home or assisted living costs — Medicaid can, making it a key resource for individuals who meet strict eligibility requirements. Medicaid is funded jointly by federal and state governments and provides healthcare coverage for low-income individuals, including seniors who need long-term care.
Eligibility Basics
• Income: Many states set income limits for long-term care Medicaid.
healthcare during retirement—not including long-term care. For those with Alzheimer’s, nursing home care can cost more than $100,000 per year, with the disease often lasting a decade or more. Assisted living and in-home care also come at a high price, often ranging from $4,500 to $7,000 per month.
Despite this, many are unprepared. A 2023 survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute found only 13% of workers feel very confident about affording medical expenses in retirement. While long-term care insurance could help, it’s not available to everyone due to high premiums or disqualifying health conditions.
Home Financing Specific to Medical Professionals
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In 2025, the monthly cap is around $2,829 for individuals in many states.
• Assets: Typically, an applicant must have $2,000 or less in countable assets. However, certain assets— such as a primary residence (up to a specific equity value), one vehicle, and personal items—are exempt.
• Medical Need: You must also demonstrate a functional need for care, often measured by the inability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, or eating without help.
see Financial Forecast ...page 14
Honoring Dr. Glenn Landon: A Legacy of Surgical Excellence and Clinical Leadership
By Staff
Kelsey-Seybold Clinic held a special dedication ceremony at the Spencer R. Berthelsen, M.D., Main Campus in honor of Glenn Landon, M.D., former associate medical director for Specialty Care, for his extraordinary contributions to surgical care, clinical leadership, and organizational growth over more than three decades. In recognition of his contributions, Kelsey-Seybold renamed the Main Campus Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) to the Glenn Landon, M.D., Ambulatory Surgery Center.
Dr. Landon joined KelseySeybold in 1993 and quickly became a cornerstone of the surgical program, founding and developing the clinic’s Orthopedic Surgery department. His influence extended beyond the operating room through his role as associate medical director for Specialty Care and board chair for the ASC. The renaming of the center stands as a testament to his legacy and deep impact on the clinic’s mission and values.
L to R: Azam Kundi, M.D., chairman and CEO, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic; Glenn Landon, M.D., former associate medical director for Specialty Care, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic; John Lyle, senior vice president for Healthcare Service Lines, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic; and Jose Nolla, M.D., medical director of the Ambulatory Surgery Center and chief of Orthopedics, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic.
Legal Matters
Continued from page 3
2025 that restricts the Department of Labor (DOL) from requiring a federal contractor to make certifications relating to their DEI programs.
The legal challenges like those made in these cases will inform whether and how DOJ may pursue FCA claims as laid out by the Initiative.
FCA Potential Theories and Risks
To state a claim under the FCA, DOJ must show that the defendant knowingly submitted a false claim, the falsity of which was material to the government’s decision to pay.
Executive Order 14173 requires government agencies to ensure that
Oncology Research
Continued from page 5
resources for just mental side effects.
In addition to resources your care team may have available, self-care plays an important role in physical and mental health. Maintaining healthy habits can support both physical and emotional resilience, empowering patients to actively participate in their care journey. These may include:
• Consuming nutritious foods
• Engaging in exercise or physical
Impairment
Continued from page 6
after discharge, patients repeated the assessments, allowing researchers to track changes in thinking ability and daily functioning over time.
Breakthrough
Continued from page 10
Voltpost’s retrofitted lampposts for EV charging, the new main terminal at Portland International Airport
federal contractors and grant recipients make certifications that they do not engage in any DEI or other programs that the administration believes violate anti-discrimination laws. While the DOL is currently enjoined from enforcing the certification requirement, other government agencies may move forward. These certifications will be used to provide “falsity” for the purpose of FCA claims against institutions making these certifications.
Further, Executive Order 14173 requires that government agencies include a term in every contract or grant award indicating that “compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws is material to the government’s payment decisions.” This language has started to be rolled out by government agencies and will
activity within one’s abilities
• Incorporating stress management techniques
• Adding integrative therapies such as meditation or massage Moving Forward
When facing cancer recurrence, weigh treatment options carefully and make informed decisions on the next step of your journey.
Considerations such as the type and location of the cancer, overall health status, treatment tolerance, and even personal preferences play a central part in the decision-making process. That is why an open dialogue with the healthcare team is essential to
be used to satisfy the FCA’s materiality requirement.
The FCA also includes a “qui tam” provision that allows individuals to file lawsuits on behalf of the government and if successful receive a portion of the recovered funds. Whistleblower complaints related to illegal DEI programs pose a substantial risk to federal contractors and grant recipients.
Even if no DEI certification is made, other representations made or implied by recipients of federal funding in their interactions with the government could also form a basis for an FCA inquiry.
Key Takeaways
Among patients with no sign of cognitive impairment before admission, 65% were found to have new impairment at discharge, and 53% continued to show impairment at their three-month follow-up. UTSW researchers emphasized that these findings should inform the development
(PDX) and advanced liquid cooling for data centers from Nexalus on the list of World Changing Ideas this year.
Texas A&M is recognized alongside institutions such as MIT, UCLA, UC Berkeley and Boston University in the Academic Excellence category.
• Recipients of federal funding should continue to monitor the development of legal challenges to the various Executive Orders. As these cases wind through the courts, there will be substantial uncertainty in their enforceability and in the validity of any related FCA claims.
• To the extent that you receive any inquiry from DOJ, any funding agency or other law enforcement entities regarding DEI or other policies, seek counsel. Such inquiries may indicate an underlying FCA investigation.
• Recipients of federal funding should proactively review their diversity and DEI programs with the assistance of experienced counsel.
understand treatment goals, potential benefits, side effects, and overall outcomes.
Navigating cancer recurrence also requires a strong support network and access to reliable resources. Support groups, counseling services, and online communities offer opportunities for connection, empathy, and shared experiences with others who are going through a similar scenario.
While the prospect of cancer recurrence may evoke feelings of fear, anger, or uncertainty, it’s also good to remember that feelings of hope and resilience can coexist. By understanding the nature of recurrence, addressing
the emotional and practical concerns to cope with the diagnosis, and actively engaging in treatment decisions, one can navigate the journey of cancer recurrence with support, strength, and perseverance.
of comprehensive survivorship programs including screening protocols to identify impairments patients face and rehabilitation programs to help them recover from those challenges.
“We hope to use this study as a foundation to develop targeted rehabilitation strategies that connect
patients with neuropsychology experts and improve long-term recovery in cardiogenic shock survivors,” Dr. de Lemos said.
“The projects we honor in the World Changing Ideas Awards are more important than ever,” said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. “You and your fellow honorees are playing an important role in building a better world. We’re proud to support the bold ideas you’re working on.”
This honor follows on the heels of Texas A&M being named by Fast Company as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies earlier this year.
Rural Residency
Continued from page 1
of Osteopathic Medicine, visit shsu.peopleadmin.com. For more information about getting involved as
UTMB
Continued from page 7
to discover new biomarkers and therapeutic targets using quantitative methods,” Russell said. “Ultimately, this core will impact research projects focused on cancers as driving new inter-institutional collaborations to diagnose and treat cancer.”
Zhou’s grant supports his work in developing a new way to treat certain lymphomas—like mantle cell lymphoma—that don’t respond well to current treatments. It focuses on blocking a specific protein, called BTK, that helps cancer cells survive. Some cancers mutate and become resistant to existing drugs, but these new
Healthy Heart
Continued from page 8
It’s important to know the signs and symptoms when you may be experiencing too much heat. Symptoms of heat exhaustion:
• Headaches
• Cool, pale and moist skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Dizziness and light-headedness
• Weakness or muscle cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Passing out
Financial Forecast
Continued from page 11
What If You Have Too Many Assets?
For those with excess assets, there are several strategies:
• Spend-down: Use personal savings to pay for care until eligibility is met. Be cautious, as improper spending may lead to penalties.
• Medicaid planning: An elder law attorney can help with financial strategies like irrevocable trusts or asset transfers. These must be
a preceptor or exploring partnerships for residency programs or rural training tracks, please contact us at
treatments aim to shut down all BTK activity, including mutated forms. The goal is to prevent relapses and improve survival rates for patients with these hard-to-treat cancers.
“These research efforts in collaboration with Dr. Michael Wang’s team at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center may yield next-generation targeted therapies for improving patient outcomes by developing innovative strategies to prevent relapse and treat drug-resistant MCL and other refractory lymphomas,” Zhou said.
The final grant was used to recruit Dr. Xun Sun for the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at UTMB. Sun previously was with Scripps Research Institute.
CPRIT grants support cancer
If you experience these symptoms, move to a cooler place, stop exercising and cool down immediately by dousing yourself with cold water and re-hydrating. You may need to seek medical attention.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency, if you experience these symptoms call 9-1-1 and get medical attention right away.
Symptoms of heat stroke:
• High body temperature (103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher)
• Hot, red, dry or damp skin
• Fast, strong pulse
planned early to avoid penalties from Medicaid’s five-year lookback period.
• Spousal Protections: If only one spouse needs care, the other (community spouse) can retain a portion of the couple’s income and assets under special Medicaid rules.
• Planning Ahead
• If Medicaid may be needed in the future, consider:
• Planning early: Begin at least five years ahead to preserve more assets.
• Keeping records: Document financial transactions carefully.
• Working with professionals: A Certified Financial Planner
com-communications@shsu.edu.
research and prevention projects across the entire spectrum of the organization’s mission, including CPRIT Scholar recruitment grants, a wide array of evidence-based prevention programs and funding for early-stage companies developing promising new treatments for cancer.
“Texas is a national leader in the fight against cancer,” CPRIT CEO Kristen Pauling Doyle said. “We can measure the return on investment from CPRIT grants like those approved today not only in the economic benefits flowing from increased financial activity and jobs in the state, but more importantly in the cancers avoided, detected early and treated successfully.”
• Headache, dizziness and confusion
• Nausea
• Passing out While being heart-smart in the heat, it’s still important to find ways for the whole family to stay active even during the high temperatures of summer. Adjusting your activity time to early morning or later in the evening can help. If being outside is just too much on some days, find indoor locations where you can be active, such as a shopping mall, gym or community recreation center.
professional or elder law attorney can help develop a strategy tailored to your situation.
Final Thoughts
Aging brings emotional and financial challenges — especially without long-term care insurance. For many, Medicaid is the only safety net available when the cost of care becomes unsustainable. Understanding how it works and planning ahead can help families make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary financial hardship in later years.
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