Choosing Clinical Careers

April 1, 2011

Clinical Career Day 2011It was my pleasure today to spend time with high school students who are interested in health careers during the annual Clinical Career Day at the UConn Health Center. This year, we proudly hosted more than 450 students from 29 high schools who spent their school day interacting with doctors and dentists, nurses and pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. The students also had access to information booths and breakout sessions examining a wide range of topics.

Healthcare is one of the fastest growing sectors in the regional and national economy. I’m optimistic that today’s event and other outreach efforts will inspire more Connecticut students to explore healthcare careers, including medicine and dentistry. I know I can’t imagine a more fulfilling career path.

Honoring the Mentoring Futures Together Program

March 2, 2011

Volunteer mentors and children who are part of the Mentoring Futures Together Program recently enjoyed a special evening at the XL Center in Hartford, thanks to UConn Athletics.

Mentoring Futures Together is an innovative, collaborative program that provides mentoring and guidance to children of parents who are incarcerated. The program was launched a year ago under the leadership of Dr. Josephine Hawke, of the UConn Health Center’s Department of Psychiatry.

At a recent UConn women’s basketball game, not only did the Huskies provide a winning performance over Seton Hall, but the group from Mentoring Futures Together also heard some inspirational, personal words from Assistant Coach Marisa Moseley and former UConn player and current radio host, Kara Wolters.

It was a memorable night for all. My thanks again go to UConn Athletics for making this happen and to Dr. Hawke for her continued success.

NIH Publication Covers 2011 Call to Service

February 7, 2011

I am pleased to share an article from today’s issue of The NIH Record about a very powerful ceremony I participated in last month with the NIH community. I was honored to be the keynote speaker during a program designed to reflect upon the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King.

  • King Observance Is a Call to Service

Remember! Celebrate! Act!

January 14, 2011

Remember! Celebrate! Act! flyerEarlier this week, I had the great honor of being the National Day of Observance Speaker in a symposium sponsored by the National Institutes of Health in commemoration of the birth date of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I was particularly taken with the title of the program, “Remember! Celebrate! Act!” Those words are a clear challenge to all of us. We need to actively remember, celebrate and act upon the enduring legacy Dr. King gave us. It is a challenge we can’t refuse.

I wish everyone a happy and thoughtful Martin Luther King Day holiday this year.

The Value of Community Service

December 21, 2010

I was truly honored to receive the 2010 Community Service Award from the Urban League of Greater Hartford. Giving back and making a difference in the community is very important to me and to my family. In the end, we’ve always found that service is a gift unto itself – leading to meaningful friendships and invaluable insights. I’m happy to share the following article from the Avon News about the award: Urban League of Greater Hartford honors UConn medical school dean, an Avon resident.

A Critical Triumph for the UConn Health Center

December 15, 2010

Winter photo of UConn Health I am delighted to announce that the state’s Office of Health Care Access (OHCA) today approved the Certificate of Need application that was filed jointly by the UConn Health Center and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in early November.

This is a significant step forward in our journey to add more medical-surgical beds to the UConn Health Center’s footprint and to continue to improve care for some of our most vulnerable patients.

In particular, the CON allows for the license transfer of UConn’s 40 NICU and Special Care beds to Connecticut Children’s and the addition of 10 more medical surgical beds to the UConn Health Center’s license. All totaled, this will allow the UConn Health Center to increase its number of adult medical-surgical beds by 50.

This is a key component of the renewal plans for John Dempsey Hospital, and it will go far to support the UConn Health Center’s long-term financial health. The regionalization of NICU services, as you may recall, is an important element of the new UConn Health Network.

Specifically for the NICU, today’s decision means that specialized neonatal care will continue to be offered on the UConn Health Center campus. The difference is that moving forward the unit will become part of Connecticut Children’s. Nurses and other staff in the unit at the UConn Health Center will remain UConn employees and Connecticut Children’s will lease space and contract for services.

With today’s decision, we will work toward a February 1, 2011, “go live” date with a celebration and ribbon cutting to follow shortly after.

To all who made today’s milestone a reality, particularly Governor M. Jodi Rell and the Connecticut General Assembly, I offer my deepest thanks. This is a wonderful addition to the holiday season!

Sincerely,

Cato T. Laurencin, M.D., Ph.D.
Vice President for Health Affairs
Dean, UConn School of Medicine

Farmington Economic Development Commission

October 19, 2010

I recently had the pleasure of speaking before a crowd of about 100 business people affiliated with Town of Farmington’s Economic Development Commission. During a breakfast meeting at the UConn Health Center, I outlined the progress of the new UConn Health Network and the economic promise inherent in this exciting plan.

In addition, here are links to articles that recently appeared in Hartford Magazine about the UConn Health Network.

UConn School of Medicine Provides Care Across the Country

September 7, 2010

Dr. Bruce Gould, Dr. Juliet Appiah and James Wallace.
Dr. Bruce Gould, Dr. Juliet Appiah and James Wallace.

While most Americans recently reflected on the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Bruce Gould rolled up his sleeves and reached out to the people of New Orleans.

Dr. Gould was asked to participate in a free health clinic held in New Orleans during Katrina’s anniversary. The clinic was sponsored by the National Association of Free Clinics which has organized free screenings across the country for people with little or no insurance. I had the privilege of joining Dr. Gould in February when a similar event was held in Hartford — and hundreds of people in our region sought help.

Accompanying him on the recent trip were third-year medical student James Wallace, and Dr. Juliet Appiah, a resident. For all three, it was an awe-inspiring experience. According to Dr. Gould, they saw patients with a wide range of medical issues from hypertension and heart disease to gall stones — all of whom were very appreciative of the care UConn provided.

Earlier this summer, Dr. Gould precepted the activities of second-year resident Marilyn Katz and fourth-year medical student Jessica Johnson who participated in a free clinic in Washington, D.C., which was also sponsored by the National Association of Free Clinics.

Please join me in commending Dr. Gould for his leadership, advocacy and compassion and for sharing his knowledge with our students, residents and fellows.

The UConn Team together with other volunteers.
The UConn Team together with other volunteers.
Volunteers at the New Orleans CARE Clinic.
Volunteers at the New Orleans CARE Clinic.
 

A Symbol of America’s Rich and Diverse Heritage

June 11, 2010

UConn Health main hospital entranceToday, as our nation celebrates Flag Day – the date marking the official adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the flag of the United States – I ask all of you to reflect for a moment on the flag and the journey it has taken through our American history. From its early days representing just 13 states until the present day, the flag has seen our nation through war and peace, times of challenge and times of prosperity. It flies at national landmarks and is proudly displayed at homes and businesses throughout the country – including our Health Center where the flag is prominently displayed in the Main Lobby.

The flag is a symbol that unites all Americans and celebrates our nation’s rich and diverse heritage. When I look at the Stars and Stripes, I am filled with pride and reminded that its threads were woven by many hands, over the course of many generations. Together, we can weave our own piece of history by creating a brighter and better future for our patients, students, colleagues and everyone who is part of the Health Center family.

Today, it is my honor to wish all of you a happy Flag Day.

Hartford Region Gains National Attention

June 9, 2010

The current issue of Forbes Magazine features information about the Hartford region and its potential to become a nationally-recognized healthcare destination. The Health Center was pleased to participate in interviews for this feature. With the recent passage of the UConn Health Network legislation, this information is very timely. I am linking the piece for your perusal.
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