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Volume 8| Issue 13| Through January 20, 2015

 
       
            
Country Inn and Suites  
 
CU study: Edibles lead issues with weed A year after Colorado legalized the sale of recreational marijuana, UCH and other hospitals are seeing more troubling pot-related medical problems in their EDs. A new JAMA study authored by CU School of Medicine emergency medicine physicians points to difficult-to-dose edible marijuana products as a major culprit. >>More
                                                         
A vaccine for breast cancer? UCH is one of just two academic medical centers in the nation enrolling patients in clinical trials that test the safety and efficacy of a vaccine that targets breast and ovarian cancer. The approach shows promise, as patient Robin Nash (second from left, with family) can attest. >>More
UCH joins national program for mending broken hearts
The hospital is one of only 35 nationwide that is part of the Patient Navigator Program, an initiative designed to tighten coordination of care for heart failure and heart attack patients. One key goal is to reduce hospital readmissions, say facilitators Kim Marshall (far left) and Amanda Nenaber of the Cardiac & Vascular Center. >>More
                
NICU gift-giving tradition continues  For a 12th straight year, providers from the hospital's NICU gathered to receive a bounty of donated clothing, blankets, quilts, stuffed animals, and toys for tiny patients and their families. >>More
It's not TV; it's patient care

In "This Hospital Life": When she received a cancer diagnosis, Cindy Anderson of the Patient and Family Centered Advisory Council found UCHealth's brand awareness campaign is more than just pretty words and pictures. Plus: "What You Read." >>More

            
Tracing the roots of autoimmune disease Work led by UCH rheumatologist Michael Holers, MD (right), targets the Epstein-Barr virus, which is responsible for a host of debilitating autoimmune diseases. He hopes his recently patented approach could one day yield a virus vaccine. >>More
Mind over miles
Bo Beeman, a nurse practitioner in the Cardiothoracic ICU at UCH, last summer conquered the grueling Leadville 100, an ultramarathon that defeats more than a few. Beeman (carrying his daughter, left, as he nears the finish line) drew on more than physical training to conquer the challenge. >>More
               
Around UCH Our round-up of goings-on, big and small, in and out of the hospital. This issue: A new chief for the School of Medicine (right); Longmont Clinic joins the UCHealth fold; hospital is out for blood; Colfax congestion; more.  >>More
Lone survivor carries on cancer fight Karen Wehling (left) is grateful to have survived colorectal cancer. But she mourns the recent loss of two friends who lost their battles with the disease. Wehling continues her crusade to convince people to get potentially lifesaving colonoscopies. >>More
Check out our Facebook page News, views, and stories of inspiration on UCH's Facebook page. Give us a like!. >>More

Dean Krugman's news The latest about what's going on at the School of Medicine. >>More

        
UCHealth Shoos the Flu, along with a Few Staffers

The compliance rate with the system's mandatory flu-shot policy was nearly universal. But four employees were terminated for refusing the vaccine without a valid exemption. Meanwhile, the season has gotten off to a relatively quick start, thanks to a viral mutation that has dodged the vaccine. >>Go

                                         
ACE Is the Place for Patient Communication

Nurses and physicians on the Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) unit have used a simple concept to improve HCAHPS patient communication scores: listening. Above: ACE charge nurse Katy Ridge holds a yellow card containing four key communication reminders for bedside reporting. >>Go

                                                    
  
Writing the Book on Communication
Interdisciplinary clinical care is routine at UCH. But new CU School of Medicine faculty member Carey Candrian (above) brings a different skill to the mix: helping clinicians learn how to interact meaningfully with patients and families. She's written a new book on the subject. >>Go
               
Cancer Center Expands Sarcoma Care, Research

Sarcomas, which are cancers of soft tissues and bones, are exceedingly rare and complex. With the recent addition of specialist Victor Villalobos, MD (above), the Cancer Center aims to see more sarcoma patients, join more clinical trials targeting the disease, and develop home-grown research to find new therapies to extend lives. >>Go

               
UCH in the News

Pot and mental illness; troops dwindle in infection fight; is 911 a joke?; 20 tons of prescription drugs; more. Mentions: Jacci BainbridgeMichelle Barron; Liz Concordia; Patrick Fehling; Adit Ginde; Jason Hoppe; Lilly Marks; Chris McStay; Eric Poeschla; Comilla Sasson>>Go

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Regular updates on stories and happenings around UCH and UCHealth. >>Go