Honored to Speak at Montana State University

November 23, 2011

On November 4th, I was so fortunate to be invited by Montana State University to give a public lecture on Regenerative Engineering of the Musculoskeletal System. It was sponsored by the Molecular Biosciences Program and the Montana IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program. This was my first time I visted the beautiful state of Montana. I so appreciated the hospitality. I particularly want to thank Cassandra Langr, a remarkable Ph.D. student at the school who was my host for the event.

I also gave a brief interview to their CBS TV affiliate channel while I was in Montana, and it is online.

Cato T. Laurencin, M.D., Ph.D.
University Professor
Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Professor of Chemical, Materials and Biomolecular Engineering
Chief Executive Officer, Connecticut Institute for Clinical and Translational Science
Director, Institute for Regenerative Engineering

Diversity Award 2011

November 18, 2011

I was honored and humbled to have received the Biomedical Engineering Society’s (BMES) Diversity Award for 2011 at its recent annual meeting. It honors an individual, project, organization, or institution for outstanding contributions to improving gender and racial diversity in biomedical engineering.

During the BMES annual meeting I gave the Diversity Lecture entitled “What I Teach When I Mentor– What I’ve Learned When I’ve Been Taught” I focused on the importance of courage in striving to achieve goals and the importance of the mentor/mentee relationship.

As a mentor for numerous students and fellows, I am so proud when I see the numbers of individuals being recognized for their achievements. There is no greater joy for me than spending time to mentor my students, fellows, and residents. Their curiosity and enthusiasm keep me moving forward.

Thanks for your support.

Encouraging Leadership in Medicine

October 5, 2011

Leaders in Medicine Award I was honored and touched recently to receive the first “Leaders in Medicine” award from the UConn School of Medicine student body. The award was made during a recent a “2011 Leaders in Medicine Meet and Greet” event, organized by an innovative group of UConn medical students. They organized the event to encourage enthusiasm, inspiration, and leadership within current and future medical professionals.

I applaud their efforts and was thrilled to be invited to their recent meeting. Walking into the meeting, I had no idea they would be honoring me as well.

“With this award, we wanted to identify an individual who has exemplified leadership and who has been a strong advocate for students,” said Luis Daniel Munoz Jr., one of the organizers of the event, noting that my vision and leadership firmly placed the Health Center on course for a strong future.

To me, this was just as meaningful as the 2010 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring that I received in ceremonies at the White House.

The award bears the following inscription: “In recognition of your extraordinary leadership, vision and commitment to medical education, research and health advocacy.”

To the UConn medical students: I offer my sincere thanks and best wishes for your professional and personal endeavors!

Election to the African Academy of Sciences

April 26, 2011

photo_globe I was recently honored and humbled to be elected to the African Academy of Sciences, a prestigious organization that honors science and technology leaders in Africa and throughout the world, and promotes science-led development in the continent.

I am now one of three Americans who are Fellows of the Academy. As someone of African descent, this is particularly meaningful for me, especially in light of the long and proud tradition of science in Africa.

Through the years, I have served as a visiting professor in centers in Africa and have worked as part of a global team of African academic and industrial scientists from the Diaspora in creating Institutes of Science and Technology in Africa, in conjunction with the Nelson Mandela Institution.

I strongly support global health initiatives and look forward to working with our faculty at the UConn Health Center to strengthen our existing programs that introduce medical and dental students to vital global health issues. Seeing healthcare through a different perspective is an irreplaceable learning experience – and can deeply affect one’s career goals.

To the African Academy of Sciences, I send my sincere gratitude. This is a true honor for me.

Choosing Clinical Careers

April 1, 2011

Clinical Career Day 2011 It 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! flyer Earlier 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