In Case You Missed It: Graduation recap, Catherine Zeta-Jones and bipolar disorder, and more

Hope you’re all looking forward to a nice, long weekend and there’s plenty of fun and relaxation on your schedule. Before you get too far into weekend mode, here are some happenings that you may have missed from this past week. BCM graduation recap Again, we want to congratulate all of the 2013 graduates! In … Continue reading »

New BCM publication highlights community service experiences

Fulfilling Baylor College of Medicine’s goal of improving the lives of individuals is inextricably linked with enhancing the health of communities. The faculty, staff and trainees of BCM have a long history of developing innovative programs to meet the needs of Houstonians and people around the world. The new “BCM Report: Service” spotlights some of … Continue reading »

Stay healthy while dining outdoors on Memorial Day

Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer season and of course outside dining. As our meals move outdoors, there are some important food safety tips to keep in mind. Food poisoning causes over 48 million illnesses per year. Of those becoming ill, 128,000 are hospitalized and approximately 3,000 people will die from it. Potato … Continue reading »

Throwback Thursday: Celebrating our grads

In 1935, staff of Baylor University’s Round Up yearbook honored their College of Medicine peers in a special way. Nearly 80 years can pass, and you can see students still like to give each other a hard time. Though, we admit, these aren’t names you hear every day. This Throwback Thursday, we recognize our past … Continue reading »

Congratulations, Baylor College of Medicine 2013 graduates!

Congratulations, 2013 graduates! We wish you the very best on the next step of your journey and are so proud of all of your accomplishments. Missed graduation or want to relive the excitement? See the photo slideshow of the graduation ceremony Browse through photos of the pre-graduation luncheon celebration Read the news release Check out … Continue reading »

Baylor College of Medicine 2013 graduation festivities

Graduation festivities began yesterday at lunchtime at Baylor College of Medicine, with a luncheon celebrating the 2013 graduating students. Soon-to-be-graduates mixed and mingled with peers and faculty members while feasting on Tex-Mex. Browse through snapshots from the luncheon below, and get a reminder of the details for graduation tonight, which takes place at 7 p.m. … Continue reading »

Spotlighting BCM student accomplishments

Tomorrow evening, Baylor College of Medicine students will graduate and start the next chapter of their lives. Our students have had countless accomplishments during their time here and we know they have many more in their futures. One student accomplishment that we’d like to spotlight here is soon-to-graduate Carmelle Tsai’s award-winning essay, which won first … Continue reading »

In case you missed it: Angelina Jolie’s breast cancer prevention story, how pets improve our heart health, and more

Hope you’re having a good start to your weekend. As always, BCM Momentum takes a few minutes to reflect on the news and exciting happenings from the past week. Actress Angelina Jolie brings awareness to hereditary breast cancer prevention Angelina Jolie made headlines this week by telling her personal story about her decision to have … Continue reading »

Take a tour of the Michael E. DeBakey Museum at Baylor College of Medicine

Have you been through the Michael E. DeBakey Library and Museum at Baylor College of Medicine? If not, let Ruth SoRelle, MPH, chief science writer in the Office of Communications and Marketing and BCM history buff, take you on a personal tour. The library and museum, which opened in May 2010, honors the man who … Continue reading »

Throwback Thursday: Graduations past

Since we are just five short days away from graduation for our students, a look back at graduations past seemed appropriate for this Throwback Thursday. This week we take a little departure from our normal jaunt back to time. Up until today our photos hadn’t progressed past the Herbert Hoover administration. However, it wasn’t until … Continue reading »

New orthotics and prosthetics faculty member brings unique perspective to incoming students

When the 18 students selected for BCM’s new Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics Program start their training this summer, they will receive instruction from top quality faculty, including one new faculty member who has unique first-hand experience in prosthetics. Earl Fogler, instructor in the new program who joined BCM in March, was the … Continue reading »

Angelina Jolie brings awareness to hereditary breast cancer prevention

Today, actress Angelina Jolie, through her own personal story, brought awareness to a very important issue in the fight against breast cancer – hereditary breast cancer prevention. By testing positive for a “faulty” gene (in the BRCA family) known to significantly increase a woman’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, she made the brave choice … Continue reading »

Tips to soothe sinus infection symptoms

Soothing a sinus infection is simply a matter of knowing what tool to use to help relieve your symptom. A sinus infection is a swelling or inflammation of the tissue lining the sinuses caused by a blockage of bacteria, viruses or fungi. “Most of the time, sinus infections can be managed without antibiotics,” said Isabel … Continue reading »

Project Bootstrap: Helping young men survive and thrive

A program at the Baylor Teen Health Clinic offers young men another chance when they think they’re all out of chances. At least that’s the perspective of David Guzman, a young Houston father who has turned his life around with the help of the clinic’s Project Bootstrap. Project Bootstrap provides young fathers a stipend to … Continue reading »

In Case You Missed It: The flu, new BCM magnet middle school, concussions and arthritis

We hope your weekend is off to a great start. Take a moment to catch up on news, announcements and events you may have missed. If you are heading out this weekend consider taking an umbrella if you head outdoors as scattered storms are part of the Houston area forecast. And don’t forget if there is … Continue reading »

Top 4 myths about arthritis: Baylor College of Medicine expert separates fact from fiction

We’ve all heard about arthritis, but how much do we really know about it and how it affects those who struggle with it on a daily basis? Dr. Melvyn Harrington, associate professor of orthopedic surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, addresses some myths about the disease in time for Arthritis Awareness Month. Myth 1: Arthritis … Continue reading »

Throwback Thursday: A camel mystery

This week’s Throwback Thursday is a bit of a mystery wrapped in an enigma. It’s 1921 and Baylor University College of Medicine students are in a photograph with a camel. Unfortunately, the 1921 Baylor University Round Up yearbook doesn’t shed much light on the topic, or even the basic what or why. However, this is … Continue reading »

Toni the Healthy Eating Cart stars in the Houston Art Car Parade

Every year in Houston, hundreds of cars, bikes, skaters, and other wheeled works of art of all shapes and sizes roll down Allen Parkway and impress spectators with their creativity. Baylor College of Medicine will participate in the Art Car Parade this weekend with Toni the Healthy Eating Cart – a unique golf cart whose … Continue reading »

Memory problems: Is it dementia or signs of normal aging?

Do you constantly walk around with notes reminding you to complete tasks or set cellphone reminders—today’s version of a string tied around a finger—because you know that if you don’t, you’ll surely forget to do something? Do you often forget a new person’s name promptly upon meeting him or her? If you’re starting to worry … Continue reading »

Reduce damage from strokes with FAST action

May is Stroke Awareness month and with it comes a chance to learn how to prevent or deal with a stroke. Your chance of stroke can be reduced with lifestyle choices – eat well, exercise regularly, consume less alcohol – and don’t miss any medications, but what can we do if we suspect stroke symptoms?

In case you missed it: Travel, health, breast feeding and vitamin D

Welcome back to BCM Momentum’s rundown of exciting news, events and announcements that you may have missed. Travel internationally, stay healthy While yesterday was chilly in Houston, the normal creep of the thermometer’s mercury typically turns everyone’s attention to summer and possible travel destinations. Considering international travel in the coming months? Our experts at Baylor … Continue reading »

A Day in the Life with Dr. Julie Nangia: Reflections on the 2013 Avon Walk

Most days, Dr. Julie Nangia serves as assistant professor in the Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center at Baylor College of Medicine. But recently, she spent a weekend serving as medical director at the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and talks about it in this “Day in the Life” feature. BCM was the official medical … Continue reading »

Throwback Thursday: Student life in 1929

It’s Thursday and you know what that means: A trip into the past for a revealing look of what Baylor College of Medicine was like. This week, our students are on display. Explore this collage of student life from the 1929 Baylor University Round Up yearbook. (Just a reminder – the College was called Baylor … Continue reading »

Book by BCM’s Dr. Peter Hotez spotlights neglected tropical diseases

Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, says that neglected tropical diseases are “the most common diseases you have never heard of.” Almost all of the world’s poor are affected by at least one NTD. Find out about why these diseases are so devastating in the … Continue reading »

The Create-a-Plate game: An interactive way to learn nutritious eating

It can be challenging to create balanced, nutritious meals consistently. Understanding how to eat balanced meals is important for everyone’s health and well-being, but especially for those who have—or are at risk for—medical problems, such as diabetes or cancer. So the Office of Outreach and Health Disparities at Baylor College of Medicine, which provides community-based … Continue reading »

BCM molecular and cellular biology chair describes award-winning work

In this video, Dr. Bert O’Malley, chair of molecular and cellular biology at Baylor College of Medicine, describes much of his career’s work, which was the basis upon which he was awarded the 2013 Endocrine Regulation Prize of the Fondation IPSEN. This speech was shown at the 15th European Congress of Endocrinology in Copenhagen, Denmark … Continue reading »

Drawing in tomorrow’s healthcare leaders through BCM’s Saturday Morning Science program

April is National Minority Health Month, which promotes national health equity. One of the ways in which Baylor College of Medicine is contributing to finding solutions for this issue is through the Saturday Morning Science program. Founded and developed by Dr. Jim Phillips, senior associate dean and professor of pediatrics at BCM and director of … Continue reading »

Parkinson’s Awareness: The healing power of art

The art installation in the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Clinic at Baylor College of Medicine might be more than a year old but its bursts of color and energy haven’t faded. Local photographer Robert Flatt gave more than 30 nature photographs, taken in Houston and around the world, to the clinic. Flatt’s goal was … Continue reading »

In case you missed it: Celebrating the Human Genome project, a cancer “Dream Team” and more

Thanks for coming back to BCM Momentum. Before you enjoy the remainder of your weekend, join us as we take a look at exciting news, big announcements, and stories about Baylor College of Medicine in case you missed it. Celebrating the Human Genome Project This week the Human Genome Project turned 10 years old. Completed in … Continue reading »

The Human Genome Project: Resources to learn more

This week, we’ve covered the exciting happenings that led up to the creation and completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003. Check out all of the blog posts, including the timeline, video clips, and photo slideshow. The Human Genome Project spanned so many years and involved so much that we couldn’t possibly include it … Continue reading »

Baylor College of Medicine Teen Health Clinic opens eighth location

Keeping kids healthy so they can get the most out of their educational environment is the focus of the Baylor College of Medicine Teen Health Clinic’s latest facility, located at the Tejano Center for Community Concerns in southeast Houston. A ribbon cutting was held Tuesday at the new clinic, which is at the Tejano Center’s … Continue reading »

Throwback Thursday: Remembering the Human Genome Project through images

Today, on National DNA Day, we take a look through history to some of the iconic photographs taken throughout the journey to create and complete the Human Genome Project. Check out the photographs below to see photos of some of the key players at BCM now and then, a look into the lab, and more. … Continue reading »

2013 Baylor College of Medicine graduation

Graduating M.D. and Ph.D. students will have the opportunity to celebrate their commencement Tuesday, May 21 at 7 p.m. at Jones Hall for the Performing Arts. Commencement speaker Dr. Harold Varmus, who was the co-recipient of the Nobel Prize for studies of the genetic basis of cancer in 1989, will speak at BCM’s 2013 commencement. … Continue reading »

Watch, experience the Human Genome Project journey

The foundation In 1969, the Baylor College of Medicine started work unraveling the mystery of the double helix. Today the College’s Department of Molecular and Human Genetics ranks nationally. But it all had to start somewhere. The breakthrough Mouse genetics and the establishment of automated gene sequencing transformed the way BCM looked at genes. Victory! … Continue reading »

BCM and the BP MS 150

Among the thousands of bike riders taking part in the BP MS 150 this past weekend were a group of BCM riders, including Dr. George Hutton, director of the Maxine Mesinger MS Comprehensive Care Center. While the ride raises millions of dollars for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, BCM does benefit from those funds locally. … Continue reading »

The Human Genome Project: Celebrating its successes

The Human Genome Project was one of the great scientific achievements in history—an international research effort to sequence and map the human genome. The Human Genome Project was completed in April 2003. This week, BCM is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its completion, commemorating all of the successes of BCM researchers and all of the … Continue reading »

BCM celebrates Earth Day 2013

Today, BCM celebrated Earth Day with a lively outdoor event focused on conservation, recycling, and “earth-friendly” products. Music was provided by the High School for Visual and Performing arts. Earth Day is part of the BCM Resource Stewardship and Sustainability Program, which works to help BCM integrate conservation practices. Recently, BCM was ranked No. 1 … Continue reading »

Under the influence: Alcohol Awareness Month

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, so this is a good time to stop and think: Are you or someone you love drinking too much? Take a look at the chart below to see some of the important facts about alcohol in America today. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence announced that the theme … Continue reading »

The autism journey: One family’s story

This April, Autism Awareness Month, we’ve got autism spectrum on the mind—what we know about it, what we still don’t know about it, and how it affects so many people and families. The autism spectrum varies hugely from mild to severe, but the numbers of individuals diagnosed with autism—particularly on the mild side of the … Continue reading »

In case you missed it: Coping with tragedy, DNA and Recyclemania!

We hope your weekend is off to a great start. Catch up on the news, announcements, events and headlines you may have missed this week. Resources for a rough week It’s been a week that has been dominated by news of violence and tragedy. With the nation reeling from the bomb explosions at the Boston … Continue reading »

Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan: Q&A with Dr. Nancy Moreno

Recently, the Houston Independent School District’s Board of Education approved the creation of the Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan. The new magnet middle school, located at the historic Ryan Middle School site, will focus on the health sciences. Dr. Nancy Moreno, professor and senior associate director of BCM’s Center for Educational Outreach, tells … Continue reading »

Coping with tragedies: BCM expert offers advice

Watching tragedies such as those at the Boston Marathon and at the plant explosion in West, Texas, can leave many people feeling overwhelmed, helpless and upset. Experts at Baylor College of Medicine offer a few tips and resources to cope with these difficult times. “Those who have already endured a painful event may be re-traumatized. … Continue reading »

Throwback Thursday: Army interns

A decade marked by wealth and excess, the Roaring Twenties, is drawing to a close. Wall Street took a nose dive during the 1929 Academic Year. The first Academy Awards for film was held in Los Angeles and in Switzerland the international community was meeting to detail how prisoners of war were treated at the … Continue reading »

Q&A on ricin: What is it and what are its effects?

In light of yesterday’s scare in Washington, DC after letters to President Obama and Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Mississippi, showed positive results for the poison ricin, Dr. Anthony Maresso, assistant professor of molecular virology and microbiology at BCM, explains ricin in this Q&A: What is ricin? Ricin is a protein toxin.  It is not an infectious … Continue reading »

BCM recycling rankings and Earth Day 2013

BCM has some exciting news to share…. See more information about RecycleMania, which was a national competition, and stay up-to-date on BCM’s green efforts with the BCM Resource Stewardship and Sustainability Program. Don’t miss Earth Day 2013 On Monday, April 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., BCM will be joining campuses across the nation … Continue reading »

Autism Awareness: New insights and research

This April, Autism Awareness Month, you might see the familiar ribbon with colorful puzzle pieces on shirts, bumper stickers, social media and more. The pattern represents the mystery and complexity of the autism spectrum, but new theories and research may help put some of those puzzle pieces in the right places. A recent Baylor College … Continue reading »

Coping through connection: Rare disease support communities

Ben Munoz, a first-year medical student at Baylor College of Medicine, isn’t a typical student. His experiences led him to create an online support group, which turned into nonprofit organization Ben’s Friends. Ben’s story In 2006, Munoz suffered a rare kind of stroke, caused by cerebral arteriovenous malformation. Although he survived the stroke, he had … Continue reading »

In case you missed it: New medicine academy, surprising skin cancer stats and more

Busy week? Catch up on events, announcements, as well as medical, health, and education news you may have missed. BCM, HISD to create Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan Middle school students in Houston Independent School District will have a new opportunity to challenge themselves academically in science and math, as well as explore … Continue reading »

Insights on depression: Psychiatry award honors researcher for findings

Next week, Dr. Helen Mayberg will receive the Fifth Annual Joan and Stanford Alexander Award at Baylor College of Medicine. The April 17 event, in which she will receive the award and present grand rounds, is free and open to the public. The award was established in honor of Dr. Stuart Yudofsky, professor and chair … Continue reading »