NewsBriefs

JMC Alumni Association Elects Officers

Eight officers were installed at the Annual Meeting of the Jefferson Medical College Alumni Association on April 25. The elected officers are: Stanton N. Smullens, MD, '61, president; Joseph W. Sokolowski, MD, '62, president-elect; James M. Delaplane, MD, '64, vice president; Barbara G. Frieman, MD, '80, vice president; Edward A. Jaeger, MD, OPH, '64, vice president; Joseph L. Seltzer, MD, '71, vice president; Pauline K. Park, MD, '81, secretary; John R. Patterson, MD, '54, treasurer.

The accomplishments of the past year were reviewed at the meeting, including the 125th anniversary celebration and symposium, the 125th anniversary issue of the Alumni Bulletin, the making of a video entitled "Rise of the Morning Star," and $1.63 million contributed to the Medical College. A proclamation from Mayor Edward Rendell cited the contributions of Jefferson alumni.

Genetic Study of Anorexia Nervosa Under Way

A Jefferson research team led by Wade H. Berrettini, MD, PhD, professor of psychiatry and human behavior, is currently enrolling patients in a two-year study to identify genes that may contribute to anorexia nervosa (AN).

Recent medical research suggests that the risk for AN, in persons who have immediate relatives with AN or other related eating disorders, may be six-times higher than the norm. The data suggest the possibility that there are one or more inherited genes that contribute to the rise of this illness.

In a study that is similar in design to this AN study, Jefferson researchers led by Dr. Berrettini recently identified genetic markers on chromosome 18 for a gene that increases the risk of manic-depressive illness. The finding was a milestone in psychogenetics research. Through studies of many families, adoptions and twins, researchers like Dr. Berrettini have clearly demonstrated that genetic factors play an important role in the etiology of mental disorders.

AN is a disorder in which individuals, usually young women, relentlessly pursue weight loss. It is currently not well understood. Causes are unknown, and treatments have been minimally successful. As many as 20 percent of AN patients eventually die of the illness.

During the next two years, Jefferson investigators, along with six other medical centers located throughout North America and Europe, will study 400 relatives to identify genes that may lead to AN. The participants will be interviewed by mental health professionals using semistructured interviews to assess lifetime eating disorder symptoms and related behaviors. Blood samples will be taken to assess the participants' DNA.

The researchers are seeking volunteers who have had anorexia nervosa, and who have a sister, brother or cousin who has an eating disorder, to participate in this two-year study. Participants will be compensated. Interested persons may call 5-0411 for more information.

Looking for Exciting Summer Reading? Try These Medical Thrillers

Two novels of "medical espionage" ­p; a genre their author, Marshall Goldberg, MD, may have created ­p; have just been published and are available on campus.

"A Deadly Operation" poses what is perhaps the worst dilemma a surgeon can face: Whether to kill his patient, a leading Russian physicist, on the operating table ­p; or betray his country instead. Its sequel, "Intelligence," centers on the development of molecular computers ­p; now a reality ­p; and the race between Russian and American scientists for computer supremacy.

You can purchase either thriller at the hospital's gift shop in the Gibbon lobby or at the Jefferson Book Store.

Dr. Goldberg, professor of medicine, is author of several other novels with medical themes or settings.

Jefferson Transitional Rehab Sparkles for DOH Site Visit

Congratulations to Jefferson Transitional Rehab (JRT) administrator Linda M. Sloane, NHA, and her staff for successfully completing a surprise and very early site visit by the Department of Health with no citations. JTR played an important role in the positive financial reports from Ford Road Campus this month, as well.

For Food Service, It's Nutrition and Dietetics

Beginning July 1, the hospital's department of nutrition and dietetics will handle all the food service needs of the University, says Richard C. Alberto, assistant executive director for support services.

Nutrition and dietetics will provide food service to:
In addition, the department will staff food carts in:
Catering for University events in all campus buildings will also be provided by the department of nutrition and dietetics. For additional information, call 5-7140.

Vital Signs

Admissions for 11 months of this fiscal year (July ­p; May) were 23,888 or 6 percent below last year. In addition, the average length of stay for the hospital was only 6.2 days, which is a half day below the prior year. Patient days are another critical indicator of the need to save costs since approximately one half of the insurers now pay a daily rate. The hospital's patient days for this period total 145,150 or 23,038 less than last year, reports Walter E. Moore, assistant executive hospital director for fiscal operations.