Author: Elizabethe Holland Durando

The School of Medicine’s Susan E. Mackinnon, MD, has received the 2013 Jacobson Innovation Award of the American College of Surgeons for her leadership in the innovative use of nerve-transfer procedures in the treatment of patients with devastating peripheral nerve injuries. Pictured is Mackinnon after receiving the award from A. Brent Eastman, MD, ACS president.

When children fall and try to catch themselves with an outstretched hand, they can suffer “buckle fractures,” forearm injuries traditionally treated with casts. But new research shows that removable splints are cpreferred by patients and parents, building on earlier findings that such splints are just as effective as casts. Shown are study co-authors Kristine G. Williams, MD, holding a splint, and Janet D. Luhmann, MD.

Two events focused on disparities in health care will be held on the Washington University Medical Campus — a symposium June 15 and a fast-paced “Ignite” event July 11.

Timothy J. Wolf, OTD, an assistant professor in the Program in Occupational Therapy and in neurology at Washington University School of Medicine, has been elected to the board of directors of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

​Washington University will be the anchor tenant in a $73 million laboratory and research facility projected to open at the end of the year in the CORTEX bioscience district. Pictured is Hank Webber, executive vice chancellor for administration,​ who described the University’s role in the new building at a recent event there.

The World Affairs Council of St. Louis has named Patricia Wolff, of the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, as the recipient of its 2013 International Humanitarian of the Year Award.

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) has presented Ralph G. Dacey Jr., MD, with the 2013 Distinguished Service Award. The award is one of the highest honors bestowed on a member, recognizing exemplary service to the AANS and the neurosurgical specialty.

XPRIZE may create an Alzheimer’s XPRIZE to inspire the ingenuity of researchers to take on the daunting task of stopping the disorder. The Alzheimer’s XPRIZE was proposed by a team of experts co-directed by Eric C. Leuthardt.

Friday, May 17, is National Bike to Work Day. For nearly 20 years, School of Medicine faculty Laura Bierut and Brad Evanoff have been riding their bikes to work. Earlier this week, they rode their tandem bike to the Medical Campus. The two encourage others to ride their bikes to work, too.

Erin Sanborn, a doctoral student in the School of Medicine’s Program in Occupational Therapy, is the recipient of the 2013 Women in Science Rosalind Kornfeld Leadership Award given by the Academic Women’s Network at the university.