Collaborative Primary Care Improves Outcomes in Diabetes, Hypertension Feb. 23, 2021 Collaboration among health care providers in the primary care setting leads to markedly better patient outcomes in patients with hypertension and diabetes, according to a new systematic review and meta-analysis. Corresponding author Jeannie K. Lee of the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy noted that while interprofessional collaborative practice aligns philosophically with many of the goals of the modern health care system, there remains little thorough evidence to show its effect, if any, on patient outcomes. HCP Live
UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Announces New Endowed Chair of Surgery Feb. 22, 2021 A retired surgeon has gifted $2M to the medical school that was merely a vision when he practiced at Good Samaritan Hospital, now Banner – UMC Phoenix. Read more Image
UArizona Health Sciences Faculty Elected Senior Members of National Academy of Inventors Feb. 22, 2021 Drs. Meredith Hay and May Khanna are being recognized by the National Academy of Inventors for their dedication to advancing research technologies. Read more Image
America’s Half a Million COVID Deaths a Stark Reminder of Challenges for Biden Feb. 22, 2021 Saskia Popescu, an infectious disease epidemiologist and adjunct professor at the University of Arizona College of Public Health, praised the administration’s “holistic approach” to curtailing the virus. But as the rubber meets the road, Popescu said the administration faces challenges overcoming vaccine hesitancy and improving genetic sequencing to better identify mutations that could make the virus more infectious – or more deadly. The Guardian (UK)
Arizona Health Care Workers Urge People To Continue Getting Tested for COVID-19 Feb. 22, 2021 Experts say the number of people taking COVID-19 tests is down across Arizona. "We need testing to stay up whether or not we have a widespread or a few cases, that is when you can actually get to contact tracing," says Dr. Shad Marvasti, director of public health, prevention and health promotion at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. KSAZ-TV (Phoenix, AZ)
Drinking Too Much During the Pandemic? You're Not Alone Feb. 19, 2021 The stress of the pandemic could be prompting some people to turn to the bottle more often, researchers warn. This is particularly problematic for people who live in areas where there are stay-at-home orders, especially for young adults, men and people who have lost their jobs. according to a new study by University of Arizona Health Sciences researchers. HealthDay
Research Looks for Links Between COVID-19 and 'Forever Chemicals' Feb. 18, 2021 Researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences are involved in three studies that may shed light on the connection between COVID-19 and "forever chemicals" known as PFAS. PFAS are a group of chemicals that are very persistent in the environment and have been used for decades in all manner of products, from stain-resistant carpets to nonstick pans to fast food packaging. Arizona Public Media (Tucson, AZ)
MHA Honors Black Scientists Making History in Vaccine Development Feb. 18, 2021 As part of its February social-media campaign for Black History Month, the Mental Health Association is emphasizing key contributions of black scientists in the unprecedented research supporting the development of COVID-19 vaccines. Dr. Michael Johnson is an assistant professor of Immunobiology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson. His groundbreaking research involves ways copper could help stop the coronavirus from entering human cells or replicating once it is inside. Health Care News
Inclusive Endocrine Workforce Requires Diverse Networks, Mentors Feb. 18, 2021 Diversity and inclusion in the science and health care workforce remain low, and endocrinology is no exception. Data show racial and ethnic concordance between health care providers and their patients is associated with important and positive outcomes. “If I look at the majority of my colleagues that I interact with, I can tell you that 95% of them are not endocrinologists of color,” said Ricardo Correa, MD, program director of endocrinology fellowship and director for diversity at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix and the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Healio
UArizona Health Sciences Excels in Latest Blue Ridge Rankings on NIH Funding Feb. 17, 2021 Increases in total National Institutes of Health funding have led to higher rankings for several colleges and departments. Read more Image