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May 14, 2010 Issue

Morning After Report

MEC to appoint VCOS

Scott Karlan, M.D., has become the Chief of Staff, and the Medical Executive Committee will be appointing his replacement as Vice Chief of Staff.

Eligible members of the MEC who are interested in being considered for the position should submit a “Declaration of Interest” form by Wednesday, May 19. The term runs from July through December 2010.

President's Perspective

Healthcare Reform Brings New Challenges

The passage of healthcare reform legislation marks a significant milestone in the effort to improve the American healthcare system. With one of every four Californians among the 30 million Americans currently without health insurance, this legislation is a crucial step toward much-needed reform.

Pharmacy Focus

Heparin now has decreased potency

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and several professional organizations, unfractionated heparin (UFH) has been restandardized, resulting in a 10 percent decrease in potency,which the FDA has said "is not likely to have clinical significance."

Standing Flu Vaccine Order Discontinued

Due to decreased influenza activity, the standing nursing order form for administration of influenza virus vaccines (seasonal and H1N1) has been discontinued as of April 30. However, the Department of Pharmacy will continue to process individual written physician orders for both influenza vaccines.

Guidance for Physicians as Campus Goes Smoke Free July 1

Physicians will have a variety of resources at their disposal to help patients when Cedars-Sinai becomes a smoke-free campus on July 1, 2010.

Gomers Get the Win

Annual basketball game held May 2

The Gomers take their turn on defense against the Blues.

Once Common, Now Forgotten – 
What Is It?

Items from the Historical Conservancy

Beginning with this issue, Pulse will have a regular feature asking you to identify long-forgotten items from the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Historical Conservancy.

Web/VS Tip of the Week

Personal Patient List Sharing

Web/VS allows you to share your Personal Patient List (PPL) with one or more other physicians. This can be very helpful when other physicians are covering for you on the weekend or at night. The other physicians can also see (but not modify) your personal memos about your patients.

Tess Takes the Maggie

Medical staff honors gastroenterology nurse

Tess Constantino, R.N., CN IV, clinical nurse coordinator for the GI Motility Program, has been nominated multiple times for the Maggie Stempson-Carter Nursing Excellence Award.

Research Corner

Link Found Between Methane Production and Obesity

A joint study by the Cedars-Sinai Center for Weight Loss and the GI Motility Program shows obese patients who test positive for methane on their breath have a significantly higher body mass index (BMI) than their peers.

The study, which was presented at Digestive Disease Week in New Orleans, is the first in humans to show a link between the presence of methane-producing bacteria in the gut and elevated BMI, indicating that bacteria may play a role in obesity.

Meetings and Events

Life, Medicine and the Pursuit of Happiness – May 14

Office Orthopaedics: The Essentials of Non-Operative Musculoskeletal Care – May 15

The Lesbian / Gay / Bisexual / Transgender Patient: A New Set of Ethical Challenges – May 19

Share Your Story

Won any awards or had an article accepted for publication? Share your news about professional achievements and other items of interest by clicking on the link below to e-mail the Chief of Staff's office.

E-mail Chief of Staff's Office