¡Hasta Pronto! from Dean G. Marie Swanson
Dear Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health Family:

I am moving in two weeks and I miss you already.  Be assured that I will never be gone—just away for months at a time.  As I have told many of you, the only plan that I ever made was to retire from this position.  As I was about to begin another five years, I thought that my future would be here at UA and in Tucson.  As you know, life has a way of making decisions for us.  And for me, a public health value that is central is the role of family in our lives.  So, as I return to the Midwest and to my family, I thank you for being wonderful colleagues and friends. More...

Dr. Hakim Appointed Interim Dean
Iman Hakim, MD, PhD, MPH, has been appointed to serve as Interim Dean of The University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, effective July 1, after a nomination process was followed that included a community forum of three candidates.

In addition, Dr. Hakim has been appointed to serve as Acting Dean of the College by Dean G. Marie Swanson, effective June 19. After Dean G. Marie Swanson's departure June 30, Dr. Hakim will step in as Interim Dean for the College until a new dean is appointed. Dr. Hakim is a leader in health promotion, prevention, and education.  Her research interests include cancer and nutrition, women, maternal and child health, alternative medicine, genetic and molecular epidemiology, tobacco use, and cardiovascular disease.  More...

May Convocation Honors 78 Graduates
The UA Zuckerman College of Public Health recognized May and August graduates at a Convocation ceremony at the Temple of Music and Art, Saturday, May 12. Seventy-eight graduates received bachelor of science, master of public health and master of epidemiology degrees. Joel Meister, PhD, retiring UA professor of public health and keynote speaker delivered his farewell address, "In Dreams Begin Responsibilities." More...

Register Now for Rural Health Conference, July 30 - Aug. 1
Online registration will start Monday, June 18, for the 34th Annual Arizona Rural Health Conference, Traditions and Technologies: Rural and Public Health Responding to Change, set for July 30-Aug. 1, in Fountain Hills, Ariz.

The conference, held this year at the Radisson Fort McDowell Resort, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, is a great opportunity to showcase programs and share with others in Arizona responses to the health trends and health care needs in rural communities. 

The Rural Health Office at the UA Zuckerman College of Public Health and the Arizona Rural Health Association, Inc. sponsor the conference, along with many other local and statewide co-sponsors. For more information, contact Rebecca Ruiz at (520) 626-2243. For conference updates, visit the RHO Web site here.

2007 AHSC Staff Awards of Excellence Announced
Winners of the 2007 AHSC Staff Awards for Excellence for the UA Zuckerman College of Public Health were:

Administration
Annette Hillman, Administrative Associate

Research
Gerald "Jerry" Poplin, Research Specialist

(Photographed are, from left: Matt Peters, Sherry Skszek, Sam Sabo, Jerry Poplin (winner), Annette Hillman (winner), Sharon Van Skiver, and Alan Beaudrie. Not pictured is Suzanna Trejo).

UA Zuckerman College of Public Health nominees for this award were for research, Matt Peters, Research Technician, and Sam Sabo, Senior Research Specialis; and for administration, Alan Beaudrie, Undergraduate Coordinator, Sherry Skszek, Senior Program Coordinator, Suzanna Trejo, Administrative Associate, and Sharon Van Skiver, Administrative Assistant. The award ceremony held at Roy P. Drachman Hall presented staff awards for excellence to members of the Colleges of Nursing, Medicine, Pharmacy and Public Health.

BRIEFS Study to Assess Food Additive Role in Controlling IBS The UA is seeking up to 100 participants for a clinical trial that will evaluate the effects of a common food additive on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a disorder characterized most commonly by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. The study will be recruiting participants, ages 18 to 75, who are experiencing irritable bowel symptoms multiple times per week. Participants will be asked to alter their eating habits for one month. More... Former Smokers Sought for a Study on Green Tea The UA Zuckerman College of Public Health and the Arizona Cancer Center are seeking former smokers for a study on the promising role of green tea in the prevention of lung cancer. The primary aim of this study is to assess whether the regular consumption of green tea is associated with decreased damage to fat, protein or genetic material, also known as “oxidative stress.” This type of damage is thought to contribute to the development of cancer. More...

ON THE MOVE 2007 Teaching and Service Awards Congratulations to the following recipients of the College's 2007 UA Teaching and Service Awards: Outstanding Teaching Award for Graduate Teaching Renee Anthony, Asst. Professor Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Trish Ranger-Moore, Lecturer Outstanding Service Award Agnes Attakai, Director, Health Disparities Outreach and Prevention Education Carmona Receives Commendation Richard Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002 to 2006) and distinguished professor at the UA Zuckerman College of Public Health received a commendation plaque from Leland Fairbanks, MD, President of Arizonans Concerned About Smoking (ACAS). More...