Hinchee-Rodriguez studies an early molecular event in diabetes

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SAN ANTONIO (Dec. 2, 2013) — Katie Hinchee-Rodriguez, second-year student in the M.D./Ph.D. Program of the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, learned early on about academic excellence. Both of her parents earned Ph.D. degrees, one in mycology and the other in botany. “I’d always been interested in the sciences but hadn’t considered medicine. When I was an undergraduate research assistant at Duke, I attended an M.D./Ph.D. symposium at the university, which was my first real exposure to this dual-degree career path,” Katie said.

In a poor, rural area of North Carolina called Fremont, she also interacted with patients at a student-run free clinic. “I derived a deep, personal satisfaction from this experience, which I knew I would want to have in my life going forward,” she said. “That is when I realized the M.D./Ph.D. path was for me.”

Today, Katie is supported by a National Institutes of Health (NIH) individual F30 fellowship as she pursues studies of an enzyme called neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). This enzyme is present in the brain, skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle and is considered to play a role in the initiation of type 2 diabetes. Katie seeks to understand the role of nNOS in insulin signaling in skeletal muscle. “We have observed a novel modification to nNOS in skeletal muscle under insulin signaling that increases the activity of nNOS,” she said. This modification, called phosphorylation, is the addition of a phosphate group to the enzyme and may be part of the cascade of molecular events that lead to diabetes.

“She has already made an important discovery,” said her research mentor, Bettie Sue Masters, Ph.D., D.Sc., M.D. (Hon.), professor in the Department of Biochemistry who occupies the Robert A. Welch Foundation Distinguished Chair in Chemistry at the Health Science Center. “Katie has published a paper as first author while here. This will be the keynote observation that will carry her to the next step.”

Katie is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Duke and spent a year at the NIH in a postgraduate program before coming to San Antonio. “I am stimulated by the deep critical thinking and the creativity that one achieves through basic science, but I also want the breadth of knowledge achieved by earning a medical degree and the personal satisfaction that one receives interacting with patients,” she said.

“These are the researchers of the future in our medical schools, the ones who have the background of medicine and know the questions that are important to ask in medicine that can be addressed by biomedical research,” Dr. Masters said.

Katie is finishing her second year in the Ph.D. portion of the program offered through the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. She hopes to finish her Ph.D. in spring 2015 and will enter the M.D. portion of the program in the School of Medicine immediately thereafter. If plans hold, she would graduate as a newly minted M.D./Ph.D. physician scientist in the spring of 2019.

Katie’s NIH fellowship saves money for the M.D./Ph.D. Program and the Health Science Center. “If she didn’t have that, I would be paying for her Ph.D. training out of my research grant,” Dr. Masters said.

Currently the M.D./Ph.D. Program at the Health Science Center is not supported by an umbrella NIH medical scientist training program (MSTP) grant. A team of scientists is preparing the grant application to be submitted in 2014. “That will be a good source of funding if we get it,” Dr. Masters said. “This would denote the NIH’s imprimatur that ours is a good program. We are beginning to have a track record, have sent some students off to residencies, and there is more interest in funding our program.”

The program began in its present form during the presidency of Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D., now the chancellor of the UT System. It is supported institutionally and by several endowments at the Health Science Center, including the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Endowment, the Brackenridge Foundation Endowment, the Greehey Family Foundation Endowment and the Harry F. Adler, M.D., Ph.D., Endowment.

“This is a perfect program, in my view, for philanthropic support, since it is investing in the future of biomedical research by training students at the very highest level with both clinical and research skills,” Dr. Masters said. “With the advent of ‘personalized medicine,’ it is essential that we have physician scientists who understand medicine at the very basic level so that we can diagnose and treat disease at its very roots.”

 

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, one of the country’s leading health sciences universities, ranks in the top 3 percent of all institutions worldwide receiving National Institutes of Health funding. The university’s schools of medicine, nursing, dentistry, health professions and graduate biomedical sciences have produced more than 29,000 graduates. The $765 million operating budget supports eight campuses in San Antonio, Laredo, Harlingen and Edinburg. For more information on the many ways “We make lives better®,” visit www.uthscsa.edu.

San Antonio man to be memorialized on 2014 Donate Life Rose Parade Float

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On Nov. 13, 2011, Jorge A. Fernandez collapsed near the finish line at the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio 1/2 Marathon. Fernandez, 32, died later that day.

Originally from Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, Fernandez settled and remained in San Antonio. He joined the U.S. Air Force and served two tours in Iraq. He became the first person in his family to graduate from college when he earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Texas Tech University.

Fernandez worked as a registered nurse in the Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit at University Hospital. He was a strong advocate of education, exercise and healthy living. His family says he lived his life to serve others.

Maria Gloria Fernandez, his mother, said her son inspired her to work less and enjoy life. “He taught me that things happen for a reason, and, at the end of the day, everything would turn out fine. He is a treasure in my life,” she said. “His goal was to help anyone in his path whether he knew them or not.”

In death, Fernandez’s legacy of service and giving to others continues through tissue donation. To date, those who have benefited from his gifts include: a 33-year-old male from Spokane, Wash.; a 30-year-old male from Chesterfield, Mo; a 19-year-old male from Chicago, Ill.; a 92-year-old male and a 61-year-old male. The tissues transplanted thus far have enhanced the mobility of others or saved lives.

Fernandez’s story was selected and sponsored by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) to be included on the 2014 Donate Life Rose Parade Float on New Year’s Day. The theme of this year’s float is “Light Up the World,” which provides the perfect setting for the powerful message of saving and enhancing lives through the gift of organ and tissue donation.

UT Health Science Center Allograft Resources is hosting the official unveiling of his floragraph memorial portrait at 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, in Lecture Hall 309L on campus. At the event, his family will add the finishing touches to the floragraph, which is a floral memorial portrait. The floragraph will then travel to Pasadena, Calif., where it will be placed on the 2014 Donate Life Rose Parade Float.

Allograft Resources supports local and national tissue donation as well as recovery and distribution needs. The organization also offers bereavement services, such as support groups and memorial events, to donor families and the general public.

Michelle Ramirez, bereavement coordinator for Allograft Resources, said it is a huge honor for Fernandez to be chosen by the AATB, an organization which regulates all tissue banks.

“We hope his story will be an inspiration for others to make the decision to register as organ, tissue and cornea donors. Registering as a donor is a decision made now that saves and enhances the lives of others at the end of yours,” Ramirez said.

 

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, one of the country’s leading health sciences universities, ranks in the top 3 percent of all institutions worldwide receiving National Institutes of Health funding. The university’s schools of medicine, nursing, dentistry, health professions and graduate biomedical sciences have produced more than 29,000 graduates. The $765 million operating budget supports eight campuses in San Antonio, Laredo, Harlingen and Edinburg. For more information on the many ways “We make lives better®,” visit www.uthscsa.edu.

University cancer, diabetes experts to speak at 29th Annual Update in Medicine Conference

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Event on Friday-Saturday open to the public in Laredo

Two physicians/researchers from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio will speak at the 29th Annual Update in Medicine Conference this Friday and Saturday in Laredo.

Hosted by the Mid Rio Grande Border Area Health Education Center, the conference is attended by physicians, nurses, social works, dietitians, health care providers and members of the public. Registration is required by calling 956-712-0037.

Gail E. Tomlinson, M.D., Ph.D., will speak on “Genetic Risk Assessment for Cancer” at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. Dr. Tomlinson is a professor of pediatrics and the Greehey Distinguished Chair in Cancer and Genetics. She serves as interim director of the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute at the UT Health Science Center San Antonio.

Dr. Tomlinson is board certified in pediatrics and pediatric hematology-oncology. Her research interests are in the genetic origins of childhood cancer, particularly tumors of the liver. She initiated an investigation of predisposing factors underlying the increased incidence of leukemia in Hispanic children in South Texas.

Ralph A. DeFronzo, M.D., M.S., will discuss “Prevention of T2DM: Can It Be Achieved?” at 11:15 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. He is a professor of medicine and diabetes division chief for the Health Science Center. Dr. DeFronzo also serves as deputy director of the Texas Diabetes Institute and as a staff physician with the South Texas Veterans Health Care System.

His major interests focus on the pathogenesis and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, the central role of insulin resistance in the metabolic-cardiovascular cluster of disorders known collectively as the insulin resistance syndrome, and the etiology and treatment of diabetic nephropathy. Through his research, Dr. DeFronzo has helped define the biomedical and molecular disturbances responsible for insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The annual conference will be held at the UT Health Science Center’s Regional Campus in Laredo, 1937 E. Bustamante St. The conference begins with registration at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25, and adjourns at 6:20 p.m. Registration begins at 7 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, with speakers throughout the day. The conference adjourns at 5:35 p.m.

 

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, one of the country’s leading health sciences universities, ranks in the top 3 percent of all institutions worldwide receiving National Institutes of Health funding. The university’s schools of medicine, nursing, dentistry, health professions and graduate biomedical sciences have produced more than 29,000 graduates. The $765.2 million operating budget supports eight campuses in San Antonio, Laredo, Harlingen and Edinburg. For more information on the many ways “We make lives better®,” visit www.uthscsa.edu
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Registration under way for diabetic foot symposium in San Antonio

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Registration is now being accepted for the 8th Annual International External Fixation Symposium (IEFS) which brings together experts from the UT Health Science Center San Antonio and international scientists and surgeons on Dec. 12-14 at the Hyatt Regency Riverwalk in San Antonio.

Hosted by the Division of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at the Health Science Center, this year’s symposium is dedicated to treating the diabetic foot and celebrates 40 years of podiatric surgical residency training at the university.

Michael Langlois, D.P.M., a former resident of the program and now a faculty member, said, “The IEFS creates a wonderful learning forum for local community and international experts to have the opportunity to discuss the latest trends and techniques in the industry. The symposium also allows for a great networking opportunity for professionals in the podiatric community.”

The symposium is designed to meet the educational needs of podiatrists, orthopedists, vascular surgeons and technicians, pedorthists, physical therapists, residents, fellows and other health care professionals.

Through the School of Medicine at the UT Health Science Center San Antonio, the symposium is designated for a maximum of 17.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. In addition, the symposium has been approved for a maximum of 22 continuing education contact hours by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education.

Early registration continues through Dec. 2. Early registration fees for physicians are $500; vascular surgeons, $175; pedorthists and other health professionals, $300; fellows, residents and students, $100; and vascular technicians, $95. Late fee registration is $50 more per person.

To register, go to http://cme.uthscsa.edu/ExFix2013.asp or call 210-567-4491 or toll free 866-601-4448.

 

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, one of the country’s leading health sciences universities, ranks in the top 3 percent of all institutions worldwide receiving National Institutes of Health funding. The university’s schools of medicine, nursing, dentistry, health professions and graduate biomedical sciences have produced more than 29,000 graduates. The $765 million operating budget supports eight campuses in San Antonio, Laredo, Harlingen and Edinburg. For more information on the many ways “We make lives better®,” visit www.uthscsa.edu.

Turkey Trot 5K Fun Run/Walk on Saturday

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WHAT:

A Turkey Trot 5K Fun Run/Walk will benefit the School of Nursing Alumni Scholarship Fund at the UT Health Science Center San Antonio. Prizes will be awarded to first-, second- and third-place runners.

Nursing students will perform glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure screenings. The all-ages event will feature giveaways, prizes, refreshments and games. Canned goods will be collected for the San Antonio Food Bank.

WHO:

The School of Nursing Alumni Association at the UT Health Science Center San Antonio is hosting this fun run/walk for all level of walkers and runners.

Onsite contact: Melissa Mireles, School of Nursing, cell 843-298-5813

WHEN:

Saturday, Nov. 23

9 a.m. race start time

WHERE:

Track on the Long Campus of the UT Health Science Center.

Media should enter campus on Floyd Curl Drive near Medical Drive. The guard will direct you to media parking and to the track.

 
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, one of the country’s leading health sciences universities, ranks in the top 3 percent of all institutions worldwide receiving National Institutes of Health funding. The university’s schools of medicine, nursing, dentistry, health professions and graduate biomedical sciences have produced more than 29,000 graduates. The $765.2 million operating budget supports eight campuses in San Antonio, Laredo, Harlingen and Edinburg. For more information on the many ways “We make lives better®,” visit www.uthscsa.edu.

Henrich, co-authors find renal-artery stents don’t reduce major events

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SAN ANTONIO (Nov. 19, 2013) — William L. Henrich, M.D., MACP, a renal specialist who is president of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, co-authored a multicenter research study published this week in The New England Journal of Medicine. The CORAL (Cardiovascular Outcomes in Renal Atherosclerotic Lesions) trial compared cardiovascular and renal outcomes of elderly patients presenting with renal-artery stenosis and hypertension or chronic kidney disease. One group was treated with renal-artery stenting and medicine while a second group was treated with medicine alone.

Although a modest decrease in systolic blood pressure was noted in the stent-treated patients, the CORAL investigators found no difference between the groups in the occurrence of cardiovascular and renal events such as heart attack, stroke, hospitalization for congestive heart failure and progressive renal insufficiency. Patient follow-up averaged 3½ years.

“The renal arteries, which carry blood to the kidneys, become occluded in an estimated 1 percent to 5 percent of elderly patients with arterial disease,” Dr. Henrich said. “This contributes to hypertension, ischemic nephropathy resulting in kidney cell death, and other long-term complications. Stents may be placed to restore circulation in these arteries. Our study evaluated whether stents, when added to medical therapy, decreased the occurrence of adverse events. Our findings showed this is not the case.”

The CORAL study enrolled more than 900 participants from medical centers including the UT Health Science Center, where Dr. Henrich is a nephrologist with UT Medicine San Antonio, the clinical practice of the School of Medicine. Lead author of the paper is Christopher J. Cooper, M.D., of the University of Toledo.

According to the CORAL investigators, renal-artery stenting for Medicare beneficiaries grew rapidly in the 1990s, with annual procedure volumes increasing 364 percent between 1996 and 2000. However, three randomized trials of renal-artery angioplasty failed to demonstrate a blood pressure benefit. No previous trial had as its primary endpoint adverse clinical events.

 

UT Medicine San Antonio is the clinical practice of the School of Medicine at the UT Health Science Center San Antonio. With more than 700 doctors – all School of Medicine faculty – UT Medicine is the largest medical practice in Central and South Texas. Expertise is in more than 100 medical specialties and subspecialties. Primary care doctors and specialists see patients in private practice at UT Medicine’s flagship clinical home, the Medical Arts & Research Center (MARC), located at 8300 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio 78229. Most major health plans are accepted, and UT Medicine physicians also practice at several local and regional hospitals. Call (210) 450-9000 to schedule an appointment, or visit www.UTMedicine.org for a list of clinics and phone numbers.