SMPH Intranet
For the School of Medicine and Public Health Community

In the Know Quick Links – Week of May 17, 2021

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Resources for everyone

    • Vaccination updates from UW–Madison and UW Health: 
        • Information about summer Covid-19 testing, building access and events guidance has been released by campus, and additional details for SMPH were noted in an April 26 message from Dean Golden.
        • All members of the UW–Madison community should maintain green Badger Badge status throughout the summer, either through vaccination status (those who are fully vaccinated are excused from routing COVID-19 tests) or testing. Three sites are open for summer testing: Kohl Center, Pyle Center, and Porter Boat House which is drive-up only. Nasal swab PCR tests are being offered. Saliva testing has ended.
        • If you have been vaccinated by University Health Services, you will not need to submit proof of vaccination for exemption from testing. Your badge will turn green automatically and you should receive a message telling you this is due to your vaccination status.
        • If you have been vaccinated elsewhere (including through UW Health), you must submit proof of vaccination. Follow these instructions for uploading vaccination records.
        • Continue to wear face coverings in public and in working and learning environments if you have been vaccinated. While CDC released new recommendations last week indicating that fully vaccinated individuals should be able to go mask-less in more settings, mask wearing is still important and required in many locations. Policies and requirements relating to mask usage at UW–Madison and UW Health are still in effect. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe.
        • Room reservations in HSLC will only be taken for instructional purposes until the university releases updated guidance about classroom distancing and density requirements, and SMPH has determined how to operationalize this guidance in our school.
        • Elevator capacity in HSLC, WIMRR, MFCB, and Medical Sciences Center has changed from a maximum of 2 people per elevator to a maximum of 4 people per elevator.
        • A message from Dean Golden provides more guidelines for in-person events:  
          • A form to request exemptions to campus event policy restrictions on a case-by-case basis is available. Exemptions will be rare.  
          • If an in-person event is approved, leaders and supervisors may not require or exert pressure on any SMPH employee or learner to attend or support any in-person event. (Employees can be expected to do remote work related to in-person events.) If a university employee believes they are being pressured to attend an event, they should report the situation to SMPH Employee Relations.
        • New podcast: Bioethics Symposium, a project of the Department of Medical History & Bioethics. In lieu of the traditional in-person symposium event (which was canceled in spring 2020), this inaugural slate of episodes features SMPH bioethics faculty in conversation with leading figures on ethical issues raised by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  Tune in
        • The Spring 2021 issue of Corpus Callosum is now online. This issue of Ebling Library’s journal of the arts features 32 entries including music, visual art and writings from students, staff, and faculty of the UW–Madison health sciences community. Attend a May 18 meet-the-artist event and access the issue here
        • Furlough reminder: Employees with furlough time obligations must record that time no later than June 30. An online calculator is available for checking your furlough balance. Only hours already approved by your supervisor will be reflected; hours that are pending approval are be included. Furlough obligations have been reduced by one day (8-hour equivalent).
        • Transportation Services will resume regular parking operations September 1. To secure parking, you must apply before the June deadline. First-round applications for fall parking permits open May 17 through June 25, followed by Round 2 applications July 19-August 3 and Round 3 August 4-17. Anyone who wishes to obtain parking beginning September 1, including current permit holders, must apply for a 2022 permit. Current permits expire August 31. Learn more here. Questions? Email healthsciencesparking@mailplus.wisc.edu or leave a message at 608-263-7943.
        • A new cybersecurity awareness training has rolled out. The mandatory, microlearning format training must be completed by all UW–Madison faculty and staff (excluding graduate students and undergraduate student employees) by June 30. Students will undergo training this fall. Read more
        • Payroll schedule and benefits deductions changes coming in 2021: Beginning in July, employees who are paid monthly will be moved to a biweekly (every other week) pay schedule. Informational forums will occur on May 13 and May 17. Read more
        • Title and Total Compensation (TTC) Project: Staff job titles and compensation structures are being redesigned across all UW System campuses, with an implementation date of November 7, 2021. See this update from the SMPH HR team. Many informational resources are available on the UW–Madison TTC Project website.
        • Visit the leadership search candidate page for details on candidate interviews. Visits have ended for the Chair of the Department of Medical Physics, Chair of the Department of Neuroscience, and Chair of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, but recordings of the visits are available. Passwords to access video recordings are “Neuroscience2021,” “MedMicroImm2021,” and “MedicalPhysics2021” for each respective search.
        • Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology position now open: The online position profile contains extensive information on this opportunity and a PDF is also available for download. Please recommend this opportunity to colleagues in the field of alumni relations and send suggestions to the search committee co-chairs. The application closes June 6. Read more 

      Resources for researchers

      • Clinical studies update: Following the guidance provided by UW-Madison, while remote monitoring is still preferable, on-site research monitoring can be made available if a department feels it is necessary and appropriate. Monitors who will be on site at UW Health will need to work with the UW Health Vendor Liaison Office prior to arrival. Please direct questions about on site monitoring to the Clinical Research Office via rannow@wisc.edu.
      • Research funding opportunity: The Ride raises funds to support state-of-the-art cancer research at UW–Madison and is now accepting grant applications, with a deadline of August 15. Applicants must have a UW–Madison professor title series and be involved in cancer research in basic, translational, clinical, social/behavioral and population sciences. Read more and apply
      • There has been a change affecting the number of people who can be in research spaces at one time. People in research labs must maintain 6-foot physical distancing and continue to use face coverings in indoor locations when others are present. Read more
      • Celebrate Clinical Trials Day 2021: Tune in on Thursday, May 20 from 3-4 p.m. to hear from SMPH and UW Health leadership about clinical trials research at UW and the new Clinical Research Professionals Community of Practice. Read more and get the event link
      • The Office for Faculty Affairs and Development has released the Promotions Oversight Committee Guide and the SMPH Mentoring Guide. The Promotions Oversight Committee Guide provides clarity for departments, faculty and committees for the process of promotion from assistant to associate professor on the CHS and Tenure tracks. Topics include committee composition, responsibilities for those involved with the Promotions Oversight Committee, and a playbook with timeline and committee processes. The Mentoring Guide gives an overview of mentoring functions and structures to support faculty development. It also offers tools and strategies for selecting mentors and meeting mentoring needs. This guide can be used by both faculty mentees and mentors.
      • Principal Investigators: The SMPH Office of Research is your information source for funding opportunities. Bookmark these links:

      Resources for medical educators and clinicians

      • All are invited to the inaugural Daniel I. Kaufer Lecture on June 1 from 4-5:15 p.m. During the virtual event hosted by the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Bradley F. Boeve, MD, Mayo Clinic, will present “Diagnosis and Management of Dementia with Lewy Bodies.” Learn more and register
      • The Wisconsin Medical Journal (WMJ) is seeking to expand its pool of highly qualified reviewers. Volunteers are sought in all medical specialties, and there is particular demand for reviewers with an interest in public health. Reviewers are invited to review manuscripts electronically and are asked to submit reviews within 3 weeks. WMJ is a peer-reviewed, indexed journal owned jointly by SMPH and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Learn more and sign up
      • The Office for Faculty Affairs and Development has released the Promotions Oversight Committee Guide and the SMPH Mentoring Guide. The Promotions Oversight Committee Guide provides clarity for departments, faculty and committees for the process of promotion from assistant to associate professor on the CHS and Tenure tracks. Topics include committee composition, responsibilities for those involved with the Promotions Oversight Committee, and a playbook with timeline and committee processes. The Mentoring Guide gives an overview of mentoring functions and structures to support faculty development. It also offers tools and strategies for selecting mentors and meeting mentoring needs. This guide can be used by both faculty mentees and mentors.
      • Registration is now open for Pathways to Promotion 102, being held virtually October 18 from 1-5 p.m. Tailored to faculty in the Clinical Health Sciences (CHS) and Clinician-Teacher (CT) tracks who expect to go up for promotion within the next year or two, the interactive workshop includes:
        • Emphasis on what you need to do in the last year before you seek promotion.
        • Logistics of putting your packet together.
        • Overview of the promotions committees function and process by current members. Opportunity to sign up for a 15-minute one-on-one consultation on your personal statement and/or dossier.
        • Mentors are also welcome. Register here. Questions? Contact ofad@med.wisc.edu
      • The latest quarterly issue of Wisconsin Medical Journal (WMJ) is now available online. The issue, which includes research and commentary published by SMPH faculty and learners, features papers on savant syndrome, medical education, health policy advocacy, sleep apnea during pregnancy and more. WMJ is a peer-reviewed, indexed journal owned jointly by SMPH and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Access the full issue here. If you’d like to receive email updates when new content is posted online, sign up here.
      • Faculty physicians: take action now to fulfill maintenance of certification (MOC) requirements by the end of the year. Earn MOC Part 4 credit for quality improvement work you’ve completed related to COVID-19 or other topics. Get started today by responding to this intake form, and direct questions to Cathy Means. The following courses are approved for MOC part 2 credit:
      • SMPH Medical Education Day will occur on May 27, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. as a virtual event featuring keynote speaker Cynthia Nebel, PhD, of Vanderbilt University. The event is open to all SMPH faculty and staff and will feature professional development opportunities, engaging workshops and oral presentation sessions that highlight education initiatives and innovation. Read more and register

      Upcoming Events: Anti-Racism and/or Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

      • The UW Health Equity Leadership Institute (HELI) will be offered as three virtual sessions between May and August. The first sesssion will be Thursday, May 27 from 9-10:30 a.m. featuring three UW HELI alumni and their community partners discussing their work, its impact, and how the efforts of health equity scholars may have value in work you do and settings you operate in. Read more and register
      • SMPH members shared their expertise during the 2021 Global Health Symposium, which was titled “Fostering Resilience Through Indigenous Wisdom and Scientific Knowledge.” It was co-hosted on April 14 by the Global Health Institute and the SMPH Native American Center for Health Professions. View the video recordings
      • On April 26, a panel of student affairs professionals gathered to discuss strategies for supporting Asian and APIDA students at UW–Madison. They explored specific needs and cultural considerations when working with Asian and APIDA students. In addition, the video description has numerous resources for further learning. Watch the video
      • Continuing education credit is now available for four papers published in the recent special issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal focused on the impact of race and racism on health. Credit is available through the UW-Madison Interprofessional Continuing Education Partnership (ICEP). Look for articles that display a blue “CE” button at wmjonline.org, and to register, click on the “earn continuing education credit” links or visit the ICEP website. There are no fees for participating in or receiving credit for this online enduring educational activity. WMJ is a peer-reviewed, indexed journal owned jointly by SMPH and the Medical College of Wisconsin.
      • SMPH Spring 2021 Initiative: Advance Health by Acting Against Racism. A webpage for this initiative served as the one-stop-shop for our anti-racism events this spring, as well as others on campus and resources for further learning.
      • The Building Community/Ebling Library Book & Film Club will host a discussion on Wednesday, June 2 at noon of The Fire Next Time, James Baldwin’s 1963 bestseller. To register and get access to an electronic version of this book, please visit the Book Club website. You do not need to have completed the book to join the discussion. Ta-Nehisi Coates once said of the book: “Basically the finest essay I’ve ever read…. Baldwin refused to hold anyone’s hand. He was both direct and beautiful all at once. He did not seem to write to convince you. He wrote beyond you.” Register
      • Save the date: Ruth Shim, MD, MPH, Associate Dean of Diverse and Inclusive Education at the University of California–Davis, will deliver the Psychiatry Department’s annual Greenfield Memorial Lecture in person on Sept. 16 at 5:30 p.m., and will present a Grand Rounds talk on Sept. 17 at noon. The talks will focus on the topic of structural racism in medicine and in the field of psychiatry. Read more
      • Save the date: A virtual Women’s Health and Health Equity Research Lecture & Symposium will be presented by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology on October 14, 2021. Read more