Editor’s note: In light of stress and uncertainty sparked by current events, please take note of resources to support employee wellbeing including confidential counseling services available to UW–Madison faculty, staff, graduate student employees, significant others, and family members through the Employee Assistance Office, and 24/7 access to counselors through LifeMatters.
Top news:
- Update on Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Leadership Search: Thank you to members of the SMPH community who participated in virtual visits and presentations by candidates for this important inaugural position. The search process to date has resulted in a better understanding of our additional leadership needs in this vitally important area. This phase of the search process has not resulted in an offer, and the search will “reboot” in early 2021 after reconsideration of the position description. We will be sharing more information during the SMPH Faculty/Staff Meeting on Monday, Jan. 25 at 4:30 pm. All are welcome to submit questions for the town hall Q&A using this form.
- Research news: A team of SMPH researchers led by Jamey Weichert, PhD, professor of radiology, and Zachary Morris, MD, PhD, professor of human oncology, has received a $12.5 million grant from the National Cancer Institute. Their work will break new ground on a way to make cancer cells more susceptible to attack by the body’s own immune system by combining two types of cancer therapy. Read more
- Yesterday, University Health Services gave the very first shots of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to eligible employees and students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, marking the start of a vaccination effort that is expected to span many months. Based on federal and state guidance, eligible individuals at UW–Madison include employees and students working directly with COVID-19 patients and those who are working directly with the virus and with virus samples. Two members of the SMPH community were highlighted among the first to receive immunizations: Devlin Cole, MD, MPH, preventive medicine resident; and Eden Charles, research coordinator, Department of Emergency Medicine. Read more
- In advance of the MLK Day event on Friday, Jan. 15, read this op-ed written by the keynote speaker, Tito Izard, MD, titled “COVID-19 reveals that descendants of slavery still have three-fifths status.” More information on Dr. Izard’s upcoming talk is available here; submit a question for him via this form.
- Deadline extended to Jan. 31: The Wisconsin Medical Journal (WMJ) is seeking artwork to illustrate a special issue on the impact of race and racism on the health of people in Wisconsin. Works in the following media are invited: photography, digital design, or well-rendered photographs of painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, or textile/fiber art. WMJ is a peer-reviewed, indexed journal owned jointly by SMPH and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Learn more
- View this week’s Quick Links, with valuable information for all personnel, as well as information for researchers and clinicians.
Building an Anti-Racist SMPH
- The Department of Family Medicine and Community Health offers a forum on Jan. 7 at 12:15-1:15 p.m. on “Mitigating Implicit Bias” by Jennifer Edgoose, MD, MPH; Adrienne Hampton, MD; Vincent Minichiello, MD; and moderator Melissa Stiles, MD. Register
- View upcoming events relating to anti-racism topics at UW–Madison and beyond.
Shout-outs
Please send kudos about your colleagues. Honor someone at go.wisc.edu/shoutout and we’ll share the stories. Submit your thoughts and we’ll share them in a future issue.
Wellbeing Wednesday
Managing grief: Many individuals are grieving losses this holiday season and winter. It could be the loss of a loved one or the loss of family time due to physical distancing. Healthline documents seven tips for managing grief.