Intercom

Volume2/1988_September21UNIVERSITY OF UTAH HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER Noted Obstetrics Researcher Joins Faculty Murray D. Mitchell, (D.Phil.), has been appointed professor and director of research in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Dr. Mitchell comes to the U of U from the University of California, San Diego, where he has been professor of reproductive medicine and professor and director of the Division of Biological Sciences in the Department of Ophthalmology since 1984. "The addition of Dr. Mitchell to our department will expand our research capabilities in the important area of women's health care and we are fortunate to have him on our staff," said James R. Scott, M.D., professor and chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. A biochemist, Dr. Mitchell has concentrated his research on the biochemical mechanisms that trigger the onset of labor. He is widely recognized for his study of prostaglandins, fatty acids that may cause actions similar to those caused by hormones. Dr. Mitchell's clinical research will focus on the problem of premature labor, and he also will be involved with investigations into the immunologic character of miscarriage. An honors student in chemistry at Liverpool University in Great Britain, Dr. Mitchell received his bachelor of science degree in 1973. He was a postgraduate research student in the Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oxford, and received his master of arts and his doctor of philosophy degrees Murray D. Mitchell, D.Phil in 1977. He continued his affiliation with the University of Oxford until 1981, when he joined the faculty of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, where he remained until 1984. The recipient of many awards and distinctions, Dr. Mitchell is a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry and has qualified as Chartered Chemist in Great Britain. Affiliations in the United States include the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc., American Chemical Society, Society for Gynecologic Investigation, Society for the Study of Reproduction and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Dr. Mitchell has lectured extensively around the world and has numerous published works to his credit. September 21, 1988 Cancer Info Center Up and Running The Cancer Information Center wants to thank everyone who took part in helping it get started. The group has already answered more than 300 calls . The following is one of 17 articles the center has sent to news media regarding aspects of cancer and cancer treatment. It deals with the detection and danger of radon gas-something that U. S. citizens have been warned to check for in their homes. Radon is a colorless, odorless, invisible gas. It occurs naturally when radioactive uranium and radium break down or decay. Uranium and radium are natural components of many types of rock such as granite. Outdoors, radon gas mixes with the air and is widely scattered. At such low levels, it is usually harmless. Indoors, the radon may be confined to a small space. It can enter buildings through cracks in concrete or floor drains, and become trapped, because most buildings are insulated to keep the cooled or heated air inside. Indoor radon exposure is suspected of increasing the risk of lung cancer. (Continued on back) CORRECTION Last week's Intercom incorrectly reported the expiration date of Dr. David G. Bragg's term as a trustee of the American Board of Radiology. Dr. Bragg will serve through June 30, 1991. Tennis Champs! Despite the rain, last week's University Hospital tennis tournament has been completed. About 80 players, ranging from beginners to experts, participated. The champs are (front) Bel Randall, men's intermediate singles, Chris Chun, men's intermediate doubles, Marge Pett, women's advanced doubles, Susan Neff, women's intermediate singles, Cathy Stevens, mixed intermediate doubles, ( back) Bill Duncan, men's beginner singles, Mike Parker, men's intermediate doubles, Anne Brillinger, women's intermediate doubles and Jim Behnke, men's advanced doubles. Not pictured are Phil Bossart, men's advanced singles, Lisa Willes, women's advanced singles and mixed advanced doubles, Mark Cremer, mixed advanced doubles, Bill Jensen, men's advanced doubles, Cheryl Walker, women's intermediate doubles, Judy Kiernan, women's advanced doubles, Mark Cremer, mixed intermediate doubles and Bryce Carlson, mixed advanced doubles. Rehab Earns Accreditation rehabilitaion program was lauded for its highly qualified staff, comprehensive array of services, administration andworking relationships with hospital inpatient departments. The University of Utah Rehabilitation Center proudly announces that it has been awarded a three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). The Center was awarded accreditation as a comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation program. In addition, special competency requirements were fulfilled in spinal cord injury and head trauma. University Hospital's rehabilitation An " Ouch!" of Prevention Free immunizations for Health Sciences Center employees will be offered Friday, September 30, from 8 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. in the Wasatch Spectrum's Private Dining Room. Diphtheria/tetanus, measles/mumps/rubella, and this season's flu vaccine will be administered. All employees are invited to attend! Medical terminology classes are beginning soon. The fall session of the medical terminology course will be held each Wednesday beginning September 28-December 14. The classes are from 3- 5 p.m. in the School of Radiologic Technology classroom (Building 504). The cost is $30 plus an additional $16 for books. Registration forms are available in Personnel Services, room 1A1, or the Training Office, room AR111. For more information, contact Joan or Bill at x2168. Cancer/Radon (continued from front) Almost all of the increased risk occurs in smokers, according to a recent report from the National Academy of Sciences. National Cancer Institute scientists are currently studying the extent of the risk for lung cancer. Trapped radon can form particles that cling to dust and are inhaled into the lungs. These particles release small bursts of energy when they decay. This may be the means by which damage to the lung cells occurs. The more an individual is exposed to radon, the greater the chances of developing lung cancer, especially in smokers. High levels of radon have been found in some homes in the United States in the past few years. The government estimates that there are several hundred thousand homes with unacceptably high levels of radon. These high levels have prompted scientists to begin in-depth studies of the health hazards of radon for the general public. Special equipment is used to measure the level of radon in homes. There are many companies that perform such testing. Fees will vary. Call the Cancer Information Center at x5052 and ask for information about testing in your area. If high levels of radon are found, corrective action may include increased ventilation, covering exposed ground to reduce the flow of radon into the home and sealing cracks and openings. T- Shirts for Sale University Health Sciences Center T- shirts for adults and toddlers and warm- up suits for infants continue on sale in Community Relations, room 2753. T- shirts from last week's University Hospital tennis tournament also are on sale while they last. Prices for the shirts and warm- ups vary from $5-$8