Parents Grapple With How Long to Wait for Their Children’s Second Shots Dec. 20, 2021 Many health experts agree that three weeks is too short of an interval for an optimal immune response period between COVID-19 vaccine doses for kids. Deepta Bhattacharya, PhD, a professor of immunology in the College of Medicine – Tucson, plans to hold off on a second dose for his children until eight weeks. “From an immunological standpoint, it makes more sense to wait," Dr. Bhattacharya said. The New York Times
COVID-19 Becomes Arizona's Leading Cause of Death Dec. 18, 2021 In the last year, more than 14,000 people have died of COVID-19 in Arizona, and nearly 400 people died from COVID-19 in the last week of November alone. “To have 400 deaths (in a week) a year after vaccines have been widely available, it’s incredibly disappointing and frustrating. Most of those deaths would have been preventable with greater vaccine uptake," said Joe Gerald, MD, PhD, a professor of public health policy in the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. Arizona Daily Star
Program Assists Substance-Exposed Infants, Their Caregivers Dec. 18, 2021 Postpartum care for mothers is important because the relapse rate in the first six months is high – nearly 80%. While postpartum is an especially vulnerable time, it’s also a good time for health care professionals to interact with people who are struggling with substance use, according to Alicia Allen, PhD, MPH, an assistant professor of family and community medicine in the College of Medicine – Tucson. “During pregnancy, there’s a lot more motivation, there’s a lot more support and there’s a lot more access to health care, so that’s a perfect place to start,” Dr. Allen said. U.S. News & World Report
$2.3M Endowment for the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy Dec. 17, 2021 The late John A. "Andy" Ware, who credited his pharmacy education for his success, bequeathed a significant gift to his alma mater. Read more Image
UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson Names New Family and Community Medicine Chair Dec. 17, 2021 A fellow of the American Academy of Physicians, Kristen Rundell, MD, joins the college from The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Read more Image
International Research Internships Open New Doors Dec. 16, 2021 Students in the Health Sciences International dual-degree program gain firsthand experience as program welcomes first research interns. Read more Thumbnail
Town Council Vote Supports UArizona Nursing Expansion in Gilbert Dec. 16, 2021 Students will be able to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing – Entry to the Profession in Gilbert, Arizona, next fall. Read more Image
COVID-19 Cases And Hospitalizations Surge Ahead of Holidays Dec. 16, 2021 Coronavirus infections and hospitalizations are continuing to climb at an alarming rate in the U.S. ahead of the busy holiday season. CBS News
Dr. Ronald Weinstein, Telemedicine Innovator at University of Arizona, Dies at 83 Dec. 16, 2021 Ronald Weinstein, MD, a pioneer in the development of telemedicine who most recently served as the co-founder and director of the Arizona Telemedicine Program at the UArizona, died Dec. 3 in Tucson. The Arizona Republic
Engaging Vaccine-Hesitant Loved Ones With Empathy Dec. 16, 2021 University of Arizona Health Sciences students and faculty are working to figure out how to reach vaccine-hesitant individuals and communicate more effectively. Medical Xpress