Compassionate patient care
This month, the UTMB School of Medicine joined nearly 60 medical schools and institutions across North America in observing the third Gold Humanism Honor Society Solidarity Day for Compassionate Patient Care. The solidarity event was initiated after the 2011 shootings in Tucson, Ariz. to honor the humanistic actions of Dr. Randall Friese, the trauma surgeon who first treated shooting victim and former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Friese said that the most important thing he did in the emergency room was to take her hand and tell her that she would be cared for. Students undertake projects that demonstrate the importance of empathy and compassion in patient care. The Gold Humanism Honor Society is an international initiative of The Arnold P. Gold Foundation comprised of over 15,000 medical students, faculty and administrators recognized for practicing compassionate, patient-centered care.
The Lunch Bunch and osteoporosis
The UTMB Heath Lunch Bunch, presenting timely topics over a light meal every other month will hear “My achy breaky bones: Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis” by endocrinologist Dr. Jyothi Juarez from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5 at the UTMB Specialty Care Center at Victory Lakes, 2240 Gulf Freeway South, League City. For more information and a schedule of future programs, go to utmbhealth.com/LunchBunch.
18th Annual Lefeber Winter Series on Aging
The UTMB Sealy Center on Aging hosts the Lefeber series of lectures, presenting experts from around the country on a variety of topics each Tuesday evening through March 5, from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Levin Hall South auditorium and reception in the foyer following. The series continues tonight with “Why women live longer than men — and the implications for their old age,” by Dr. William Hazzard, professor emeritus in gerontology and geriatric medicine at the University of Washington and Wake Forest University. Next week is “Exercise as medicine: translational research in older women.
St. Vincent's annual benefit concert
Each year, UTMB students display their talent at the concert to benefit the St. Vincent's House clinic. This year’s concert at The Grand 1894 Opera House is 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, March 6. Tickets are $7 in cash or $7.50 with credit cards for advance purchase and $10 at the door. Ticket booths will be on campus at Joe’s cafeteria and the John Sealy Hospital cafeteria from noon to 1 p.m. through March 6. All proceeds go toward supporting the St. Vincent's Free Student Clinic, which provides a range of services for Galveston residents without access to health care.
UTMB Health Optical Center to host Low Vision Education Day March 21
UTMB Health Optical Center will host a free Low Vision Education Day 9-11 a.m. Thursday, March 21. Dr. Praveena Gupta, UTMB optometrist and low vision specialist, and Shirley Davis with the Texas Division for Blind Services will discuss low vision disorders and devices to enhance vision. Reserve a space by calling (409) 747-5823.
Low vision is a loss of eyesight that makes everyday tasks like reading, writing, shopping, watching television, driving a car or recognizing faces difficult, if not impossible. Low vision patients can use a variety of devices to improve their vision.
UTMB Health Optical Center, 700 University Blvd., Galveston, has a
Low Vision Center to serve people with vision impairments. Patients can drop by 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday to visit the center, which offers a number of vision-enhancing devices.
No appointment is necessary. Patients also can make an appointment with Dr. Gupta by calling (409) 747-5800. Watch this video to learn more.