Dr. King Li appointed as associate director

Dr. King Li has been appointed as the associate director of the Radiology and Imaging Sciences Department, and director of Diagnostic Radiology.

Prior to coming to the CC, Dr. Li was a tenured associate professor at Stanford University Medical Center's Department of Radiology.

"I am extremely excited to become a part of a world-renowned team of dedicated health professionals and researchers. I hope to make contributions that will impact the welfare of our patients and future generations of patients," said Li.

Dr. Li was born in Hong Kong and immigrated to Canada in 1974. He earned his M.D. in 1981 from University of Toronto, Canada, and completed a residency there in diagnostic radiology, where he was chief resident. Dr. Li later completed an MRI fellowship at the University of Michigan and in 1987, he became the co-director of MRI at University of Florida. Three years later, Dr. Li was named director of body MRI at St. Joseph's Hospital and Barrows Neurological Institute in Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Li joined the Stanford University Medical Center's Department of Radiology in 1991 and became a tenured associate professor in 1997.

Dr. Li's research interests include the development of novel site and disease-specific drug delivery systems. He has multiple patents on novel drug delivery systems and on combining imaging with genomics and proteomics for developing new molecular targets and personalizing treatments.

Dr. Li has served as principal and co-investigator of multiple grants funded from institutional, industrial and federal sources. He has had more than 65 scientific articles, five book chapters and 15 review articles published. He is also a reviewer of scientific manuscripts for five journals and sits on the editorial board of a new journal on molecular imaging.

Dining center prepares for opening
B1-level to have grand opening in September

Just a few more weeks and the wait will be over. By September, the B1-level dining center will be back to normal activity. But don't expect the same old stuff because this renovated dining center has more than just a new look.

"We're not just giving the dining center a face lift," said Dwayne Parris, concession manager, Worksite Enrichment Programs Branch, Division of Support Services. "We are giving employees what they asked for by providing a healthier variety of food."

Based on employee suggestions via a Clinical Center-wide survey conducted in April by the Division of Support Services, many employees would like more low-fat, low-calorie selections, along with soups, salads and other healthy snacks. The dining center will have two salad bars, four Eurest food stations, and two brand name food stations, Sbarro and Memphis BBQ.

Workers have been putting in weekend hours to get the project completed and opened by September.

"We have had a few minor setbacks that have delayed this opening," said Parris. "But once it is open, I think that everyone will be pleased and satisfied with the food selections, the atmosphere and the overall results."

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CC QWI and Diversity Council: Learning event becomes a smashing success

Recently, the CC Quality of Worklife Council enhanced its membership to include a number of former members of the CC Diversity Council. In addition, a number of CC and institute staff who had never served on either council joined our ranks. This integration was successful as all members have the common purpose of facilitating continued growth in Diversity and Quality of Work Life Initiatives at the Clinical Center. The council meetings have incorporated educational activities on the subjects of Quality of Worklife and Diversity, as well as team building exercises.

This summer, a retreat was held to further enhance team relationships, understanding of quality of worklife and diversity, and develop a council strategic plan.

The retreat was held on June 25 and 26. Besides being a time for sharing and bonding, the retreat was also highly productive. The council members developed a framework for action, formulated vision and mission statements and identified goals, challenges and solutions to guide the council as it facilitates diversity and QWI initiatives for the Clinical Center. The goals will be published when finalized.

Feedback, please
Members of this council would like to enhance our communication with employees at the Clinical Center. The council is in the process of developing additional methods, and will keep you informed about these. In the meantime, please continue to use the CC QWI/Diversity suggestion program boxes inside the B1-level cafeteria and on the outside of the second floor cafeteria to communicate your ideas to the Council. The council welcomes not only suggestions but also proposals for improvements. You may contact any member of the council, or email or call the council co-facilitators Jacques Bolle, 594-9768; and Sue Fishbein 435-0031.

CC recipient-NIH Quality of Worklife Group Award
Congratulations to council member Kim Plascjak, OHRM employee, for her efforts as part of the NIH Child Care Board, which has worked to study NIH child care issues and improve services.

Meeting employee quality of worklife and diversity needs
The council has learned from a variety of sources, including the CC employee QWI/Diversity suggestion program, that employees would like a gymnasium in Building 10. We have just learned that the Building 10, 14th floor exercise facility, previously for patient use only, is now available to NIH staff on a trial basis, for four months, beginning mid-August. The staff access hours are 6-8 a.m., and 5-9 p.m. The equipment includes two treadmills, one Stairmaster, three exercycles, dumbbells, universal gym, leg press and a back extension. There are no lockers or shower facilities, and space may be limited. If you would like more information regarding the use of the gym, contact Dr. George Patrick at 301-496-2278 or send an email at gpatrick@cc.nih.gov.

Upcoming quality of worklife and diversity events
The Clinical Center will sponsor a health booth at the Black Family Reunion on the mall in Washington DC, September 8 and 9, 2001. Anyone interested in helping to staff this booth or wishes to visit should call the CC EEO Officer at 496-2273.

The Annual Clinical Center Disability Awareness Day is scheduled for October 4, 2001. Jerry Garmany, the CC Disability Coordinator, is seeking volunteers to help with this event. You may contact him via email jgarmany@cc.nih.gov, or by phone. If you have access to a TTY, you may call him on 496-9100. Otherwise, you may reach him through the Federal Relay by dialing 1-800-877-8339.

The council encourages CC staff and other interested groups to learn more about quality of worklife and diversity appreciation through participation in these informative and stimulating events. This story was brought to you by the Clinical Center Quality of Worklife Initiative and Diversity Council.

This story was brought to you by the Clinical Center Quality of Worklife Initiative and Diversity Council.

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Lecture series connects CC with community
Medicine for the Public lecture series begins Sept. 25 through Oct. 30

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Share the Health Expo 2001

The National Institutes of Health will "Share the Health" with its neighbors on Saturday, October 27, 2001 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Natcher Conference Center in Building 45 on the NIH campus.

This free event, entitled Share the Health: An Exposition of Health Resources from NIH to Its Neighbors, features health seminars and screenings, wellness workshops, exhibits by NIH institutes, tours, children's activities and more. Sponsored by the NIH Office of Community Liaison, the event is designed to promote health through the prevention of disease by showcasing what NIH has to offer the community.

Again this year another outstanding scientist administrator Dr. Richard J. Hodes, director of the National Institute on Aging, will give the keynote presentation. Health seminars led by NIH physicians and scientists will address important topics such as pain management, stroke research, diabetes, nutrition, the alcoholic brain, osteoporosis and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Special workshops and presentations will feature the art of relaxation and exercise for seniors. Community members will also have the opportunity to receive blood pressure screenings; collect health information on the latest NIH research; visit exhibits by NIH institutes; visit NIH's website and its links to health information sources; see computer demonstrations on how to access health information on the internet; tour the National Library of Medicine and the NIH campus; learn about volunteer opportunities; and hear about efforts to promote health within the community. Children can explore the "drunken brain;" tour NIH fire and rescue vehicles; watch police K-9 dog demonstrations; and discover children's healthy web sites.

For more information or to register for this free event, call 301-650-8660.

Atrium Cafe: More than just coffee
Atrium Cafe to expand

Plans are in the making to extend the first floor coffee shop, known as the Atrium Cafe.

Last month, the CC News mistakenly reported that the Flower Shop temporarily closed due to a lack of help. The Flower Shop is permanently closed to extend the Atrium Cafe.

The Atrium Cafe currently serves a variety of coffees and pastries, however, the extension will provide hot pretzels, Hormel all-beef hot dogs, and personal-sized pizza.

According to Dave Shea, quality assurance specialist, with the Division of Support Services, the extension will help relieve the increase in traffic on the second floor dining center. The extension is expected to open by September.

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New CC employees are first to try out Title 42

Since the CC received approval to hire under the Title 42 employment system, more than a dozen new employees have come aboard, with more in the works.

Title 42 for Clinical Research Support is an employment system centered around pay bands that use competency, and not longevity, to determine the amount of individual pay increases or supplemental pay (awards, bonuses) for employees. Most new hires are immediately placed into the Title 42 system, however plans to convert current employees from the GS Schedule to Title 42 are not complete.

Title 42 Questions and Answers

Q: What will happen with positions that are advertised Ã? will applicants be considered under GS and Title 42 (CRS)? If a General Schedule (GS) person is selected, will they be moved into Title 42 (CRS)?
A: New positions that are advertised will be filled in Title 42 (CRS). Only rarely (and with the CC director's, approval) will positions be filled in the GS, and they will be advertised as such. If a current GS employee applies and is hired for the new position, he/she will be converted to Title 42.

Q: What rights do employees retain or give up by becoming a Title 42 (CRS) employee?
A: The rights to appeal adverse actions to the Merit Systems Protection Board and to file classification appeals with OPM are not available to Title 42 (CRS) employees. However, other resolution options are available.

Q: Do employees still get a general annual increase (COLA) under Title 42 (CRS)?
A: Yes, but it may not be the same increase applied to the GS employees. The CC director has the authority to decide the amount of the COLA for Title 42 (CRS) employees.

Q: How often will Title 42 (CRS) employees be eligible for pay raises (like the former step increases)? How do employees request a pay raise?
A: There is no limit on the number of raises possible in a year, nor a particular waiting period in order to get a base pay increase. Eligibility for base pay increases will be primarily determined by an increase in competencies. Individual competencies and pay level will be reviewed at least once a year. Other supplemental types of pay will also be available under Title 42 (CRS). Employees are encouraged to discuss pay concerns with their supervisors.

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Training course gives researchers what they need

The Principles of Clinical Pharmacology Course, sponsored by the Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center, will begin in the Lipsett Amphitheater, on September 6th. The course will be held Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to approximately 8:00 p.m. and will run through April 25, 2002.

"Many medical schools don't offer formal courses in clinical pharmacology," said Dr. John I. Gallin, director of the Clinical Center. "This program covers what researchers need to know concerning the clinical pharmacologic aspects of drug development and use."

The course covers topics such as pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism and transport, assessment of drug effects, drug therapy in special populations, and drug discovery and development. An outstanding faculty has been assembled to present the lectures, including Dr. Carl Peck of Georgetown University's Center for Drug Development Science, Dr. Jerry Collins of the Food and Drug Administration, and the Clinical Center's Dr. Arthur J. Atkinson, Jr.

Dr. Atkinson is also the course director. Before coming to NIH, he was previously at Northwestern University, where he directed the Clinical Pharmacology Center, and at the Upjohn Company, where he was in charge of Upjohn's clinical drug development programs.This is the fourth year that the course is being offered. In previous years, there was considerable sustained enthusiasm for the course.

Registration is open to all interested persons free of charge. Certificates will be awarded at the end of the course to students who attend 75 percent of the lectures.

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DTM hosts annual symposium
The CC Department of Transfusion Medicine, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, Greater Chesapeake & Potomac Region, will sponsor its 20th Annual Immuno-hematology & Blood Transfusion Symposium on September 13, in Masur Auditorium. Program and registration details are online at http://www.cc.nih.gov/dtm.

Hispanic heritage
A panel discussion on health disparities in Latino/Hispanic populations will be held on Wednesday, September 19, from 9-11:30 a.m. in Lipsett Auditorium. Panelists include Mr. Ray Suarez (moderator), PBS NewsHour; Dr. Jane Delgado, National Alliance for Hispanic Health; Dr. Ruth Kirschstein, acting NIH director; Dr. Joe L. Martinez, University of Texas, San Antonio; Dr. Fernando Mendoza, Hispanic-Serving Health Professions Schools; Dr. John Ruffin, National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities.

FAES registration
Registration for the Fall 2001 semester is now being accepted by mail. The last day for mail registration is Aug. 31. Walk in registration will take place Sept. 5-11, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. (5 p.m. - 7p.m. on Sept. 10). in Bldg. 60, Suite 230.

Bioethics course registration
The Department of Clinical Bioethics is offering its course on Ethical and Regulatory Aspects of Human Subjects Research, beginning October 31, through December 19. The seven-week course will meet each Wednesday from, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Lipsett Auditorium. Anyone interested in attending should register by contacting Terri Jacobs at 301-496-3822 or email at tjacobs@cc.nih.gov. Notebooks for the course will be available in the Department of Clinical Bioethics, Room 1C118, oneweek prior to the first day of class. Pre-registration is encouraged, as there are a finite number of notebooks available. Anyone with special needs should notify Terri Jacobs at the time of registration.

NIH (ClinPRAT) training program
This three-year postdoctoral research fellowship training program is sponsored by the Clinical Center, the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, and the NIH Office of Intramural Research, Office of the Director. This program emphasizes the application of laboratory pharmacology, biostatistics, pharmacokinetics and chemistry to the study of drug action in humans. Postdoctoral training will be available starting July 1, 2002, and in subsequent years. Candidates must have a M.D. degree and, in general, have completed three years of residency training and be board eligible in a primary medical specialty. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Candidates' qualifications are evaluated by the Clinical Pharmacology Steering Committee. Selection is highly competitive and preference will be given to applicants with outstanding potential. The stipend is determined by the candidate's educational and professional experience. For additional information call Donna L. Shields at 301-435-6618.

Oncology fellowship
All registered nurses interested in a unique opportunity to provide compassionate care to oncology patients at the CC should consider the Oncology Fellowship Program. The program features a 96-hour didactic component that covers topics pertinent to your work setting, including pathophysiology, disease types, treatment modalities, symptom management, patient teaching and oncology emergencies. The clinical component consists of direct patient care experiences using a 1:1 preceptor model in the work setting. The clinical rotations will prepare you to care for the unique patient population served at NIH. For information, contact the nurse recruitment team at 1-800-732-5985 .

Slogan contest
The Emergency Management Branch, Division of Public Safety, Office of Research Services, is sponsoring a contest to create the fire prevention slogans to be used in next year's official NIH Fire Safety Awareness Day poster. Contest rules: 1. You may enter as many times as you'd like. 2. The slogan should directly pertain to the objectives of fire prevention, and preferably not exceed one sentence in length. 3. All entries should be printed or typed on one side of an 81/2 x 11 sheet of white paper and in order of preference for consideration. 4. Entries should be original and unpublished at time of submission. 5. Judges' decisions are final. 6. Employees of the Emergency Management Branch, Division of Public Safety, and their immediate families are not permitted to enter. 7. All entries must be received by the Fire Prevention Section by the close of business on Sept. 4. Mail entries to Bldg. 15, Room 2, or fax to 301-402-2059. For information, call 301-496-0487.

Support group
You are invited to attend the Thyroid Cancer Support Group for survivors, families and friends, every second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Meetings are held in the Social Work Conference Room 1N248, Bldg. 10. For more information contact Margaret Sarris at 301-496-6020.

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Outpatient study
College-educated, middle-aged adults needed for a two-day outpatient study at NIMH. Involves blood draw and routine clinical, neurological and cognitive procedures. Compensation provided. For information call 301-435-8970.

Healthy children
Healthy children, ages 5-8, are sought by NINDS to participate in a study comparing language organization with that of children with epilepsy. Your children may be eligible if they speak English as their first language, do not have a learning disability, attention deficit disorder or any serious medical condition and do not wear braces or glasses (contacts allowed). Participation involves 2-4 outpatient visits over one year. Compensation is provided. Call Lynn at 301-402-3745.

Women needed
NICHD is seeking healthy women ages 18-55 or 60 and older, to participate in an ovarian function study involving five brief outpatient visits. Blood draws, ultrasound and an injection of a natural body hormone are involved. You may be eligible if you do not smoke or take any drugs, including birth control. A past pregnancy is necessary. Compensation is provided. For information call 301-435-8201.

Overweight women
NICHD seeks healthy African American and Caucasian overweight women, ages 18-40, to participate in a study on the effects of carbohydrates and fats on body composition and reproduction. Participants must be nonsmokers, have regular menstrual cycles, not be on any prescribed drugs, and have no major illnesses. Participation involves one outpatient and two inpatient visits. Compensation provided. Call 301-496-7731.

Healthy families
NIAAA seeks healthy parents and their adolescent children, ages 12-17, to participate in a study involving an interview and brain scan. No medication involved. Compensation is provided. Call 301-594-9950.

Men needed
NIAAA is seeking healthy males, ages 40-59, to participate in cognitive/psychological studies. No medication is involved. Call 301-594-9950. Compensation is provided.

Healthy kids
NIMH is seeking healthy children, ages 6-17, to participate in reviewing film clips, included among which will be humorous, sad and spooky clips. Your children may be eligible if they do not have a history of psychiatric problems or take any prescribed medications. Participation involves one outpatient visit and a possible second visit. Compensation is provided. Call 301-496-8381.

Evaluation study
The Clinical Neuroendocrinology Branch of NIMH seeks people with current or past depression as well as matched normal controls, to participate in an evaluation study. Participants must be between the ages of 18-65, be medically healthy, non smoker for the past year and able to spend at least one night in the Clinical Center. Compensation provided. For more information, call 301-496-5831 or 301-496-1892.

Japanese donors
The Department of Laboratory Medicine is seeking normal Japanese men and women to donate one tube of blood for a study of platelet function. You must be of full Japanese ancestry, have no evidence of anemia and be at least 18 years of age. Compensation provided. Call 301-496-5150.

Male volunteers
Men ages 45 and older are needed for a research study to assess risk factors for atherosclerosis. Medical history and blood samples are required to assess eligibility for the study. Compensation provided. For more information, call 301-496-3666.

Emotion study
The National Institute of Mental Health is seeking healthy children, ages 6-17, to participate in a mood and emotion study. Your child may not be eligible if he/she has medical or psychiatric problems, takes prescribed medications or has any first-degree relatives with psychiatric problems. Participation involves three-day screening and evaluation, two-day follow-up evaluation, MRI, physiological and psychological testing, and one month of at-home ratings. Compensation is provided. For more information or to volunteer, call 301-496-8381.

Female volunteers
The Behavioral Endocrinology Branch, NIMH, seeks healthy female volunteers ages 40-50, to participate in a longitudinal study of perimenopause. Volunteeers must have regular menstrual cycles and be medication free. Periodic hormonal evaluations, symptom rating completion and an occasional interview will be performed. Compensation provided. For more information call 301-496-9576.

Stuttering study
NIH seeks adults and children ages five or older who stutter or have family speech disorders for an experimental study of the causes of these disorders. Researchers offer speech, voice and language testing. Compensation provided. For information call 1-800-411-1222 (TTY: 1-866-411-1010).

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