Feb

Parents support ban on secondhand smoke in public places, higher cigarette taxes

The results of an annual survey show that North Carolina parents support stepping up the state's anti-smoking efforts, including higher cigarette taxes and no-smoking policies in public places frequented by youth.

UNC Hospitals leads clinical trial of auditory brainstem implant in patients without tumors

Last July, surgeons at UNC Hospitals performed the first auditory brainstem implant procedure in the United States in a patient who did not have inner ear tumors associated with a condition called neurofibromatosis type II (NF2).

Discovery of "overdrive" protein could broaden drug design options

New research by scientists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill shows for the first time that an important family of proteins known to function at the cell surface also functions at a site within the cell.

10th Annual UNC Dance Marathon to benefit patients and families of North Carolina Children's Hospital

More than 1,100 UNC-Chapel Hill students have committed to stand on their feet for a full 24 hours this coming Friday at the tenth annual UNC Dance Marathon. The event celebrates the conclusion of the student participants' year-long fundraising efforts in support of the patients and families of North Carolina Children's Hospital.

Stuart Gold named division chief for pediatric hematology and oncology

Dr. Stuart Gold has been named chief of pediatric hematology and oncology in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. Gold, a faculty member of the UNC Department of Pediatrics and member of UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer center, succeeds Dr. Julie Blatt as chief of the division.

UNC cardiologist edits new book on hemodynamics

Dr. George A. Stouffer, director of the cardiac catheterization laboratories and director of interventional cardiology for UNC Health Care, is the editor of a new book that discusses accurate interpretation of hemodynamics (blood flow and pressures) and using this information to diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease.

Back by Popular Demand: 2008 UNC Mini-Medical School

Ever wanted to learn how to perform a tracheotomy? Wish you could remove a bone spur? Well, while the latest installment of the UNC School of Medicine's annual Mini-Medical School will not equip participants with that level of skill and knowledge, the three-part weekly series is designed to give lay audiences first hand experience with the science underlying the practice of modern medicine. Topics on the agenda this year include research and clinical perspectives on aging, GI reflux disease, stroke prevention and the many faces of dementia.

UNC cancer center scientist awarded lung cancer research grant

The National Lung Cancer Partnership has awarded Dr. Albert Baldwin, a researcher at UNC's Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, a two-year $100,000 LUNGevity Foundation Research Grant.

Thomas Shea named associate director of clinical outreach for UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

Dr. Thomas Shea has been named associate director of clinical outreach for the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Shea, professor of medicine and director of UNC Health Care's Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation program, will lead Lineberger's efforts to develop collaborative efforts in education, research, and clinical care through interaction with North Carolina's Area Health Education Centers, health systems, and oncology practices.

UNC Health Care expands its payment processes

In an effort to balance providing the best possible health care to North Carolinians in need while maintaining responsible financial processes, UNC Health Care is expanding its point-of-service payment policies throughout the health care system. Financial counselors will be on hand to assist any patient with questions or concerns.

John P. Lewis appointed chief financial officer for UNC Health Care

John P. Lewis has been appointed chief financial officer for UNC Health Care, succeeding W. Alan Stewart.

Peter Leone appointed to board of National Coalition of STD Directors

Dr. Peter A. Leone, an expert on sexually transmitted diseases and an associate professor in the UNC schools of Medicine and Public Health, has been appointed to the board of directors of the National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD).