Notes - A Health Care Transformation Blog University of Utah Health Sciences - Research, Education, Clinical Care

Sep

COVID-19 Research Showcases Strength Across Campus

The U is conducting more than 400 research projects related to COVID-19, to study the virus from all angles—from testing and vaccine trials to its impact on vulnerable communities and rates of domestic violence, to the social, psychological, and economical strains COVID-19 has on our society. The university's vice president for research, Andrew Weyrich, PhD, explains how our campus community is working to make a difference in the lives of people around us.

Sep

COVID-19 Update, September 14, 2021

Thanks to high vaccination rates among U faculty and students, COVID-19 cases on campus are very low. Nationally, cases and deaths have begun leveling off. In Utah, however, cases are rising. Hospitalizations and ICU usage have reached levels not seen since fall 2020. Utah’s accelerating case rate among the unvaccinated is now at more than 80 cases per 100K people. By contrast, the case rate for vaccinated people is just over 10 per 100K. With rising cases among children ages 1-14, we are closely tracking developments regarding potential vaccinations for that age group.

Sep

From Industrial Engineer to Chief Quality Officer

Initially hired as U of U Health's first non-clinician quality improvement specialist, Sandi Gulbransen is drawing on her background as an industrial engineer and her own patient experience in her current role as Chief Quality Officer. Building on our proven track record in quality and safety, Gulbransen is leading the next evolution of quality—being accountable for the outcomes of our patients. Prioritizing the needs of our community and equitable care are critical to our future success.

Sep

Ambitious Agenda for Dentistry

As he begins his second five years as dean of the School of Dentistry (SOD), Rory Hume explains plans to concentrate on three vital initiatives: building on the school’s clinical network so it becomes even more integrated into the University of Utah Health network, building on SOD research activities that focus on the relationship between oral health and overall health, and increasing the diversity of students, staff, and faculty.

Sep

Beyond the Drug Store

The pharmacy profession has expanded. Pharmacists do much more than move pills from a big bottle to a small bottle in a neighborhood drug store. Many still work behind a counter on Main Street. But pharmacists are also involved as members of multidisciplinary clinical teams. From the corner drug store to your medical providers’ office, they act as the primary source of drug-related information for other health care professionals. As varied as these roles may be, both retail pharmacists and pharmacotherapy specialists have the same primary responsibility: ensuring patients get safe, appropriate, and effective medications.

Sep

COVID-19 Update, August 31, 2021

We are seeing a continuing spread of coronavirus across the United State and Utah is no exception. As of yesterday, one in 138 Utahns have an active coronavirus infection and they are each transmitting the virus to more than one other individual. The Delta variant is more virulent, which means that our hospital rates continue to increase—currently at levels nearing the peak at this time last year. Pandemics do end, but only with the help of broad vaccination across our community.

Aug

The Classroom of Rural Experience

As the state’s only academic medical center, University of Utah Health plays a vital role in bringing essential health care—and health education—to both rural and urban areas of our state. Thanks to large grants from the Health Resources and Services Administration, we are developing a customized curriculum to prepare our trainees to practice medicine in these underserved areas.

Aug

Beginning the Journey to Become a Doctor

We celebrated an historic White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2025—the first entering class of the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah. Our newest physicians in training received a white coat and stethoscope as abiding symbols of their commitment to their patients and their profession. Professor Emerita and honorary doctorate recipient Kristen Ries, MD, MACP, shared an inspiring keynote address about what it takes to be a good physician in today's ever-changing world.

Aug

Collaborating With Utah's Juvenile Justice System

The College of Nursing contracts with the state's Juvenile Justice Services to provide care for incarcerated youth—ages 12-17—in 10 facilities across the Wasatch Front. Besides honing clinical skills, caring for these kids gives nursing students and residents exposure to real-life health problems. They witness youth in impoverished situations, consuming alcohol or street drugs, with no access to transportation, and not enough access to food.

This blog reserves the right to edit and/or remove comments that are off topic, highly offensive, disclose personal health information, or disclose other protected information about an employee, patient, or business agreement at the University of Utah. Technical questions about the blog should be directed to vickie.king@hsc.utah.edu.

COVID-19 Research Showcases Strength Across Campus

COVID-19 Update, September 14, 2021

From Industrial Engineer to Chief Quality Officer

Ambitious Agenda for Dentistry

Beyond the Drug Store

COVID-19 Update, August 31, 2021

The Classroom of Rural Experience

Beginning the Journey to Become a Doctor

Collaborating With Utah's Juvenile Justice System

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