ARTS&CULTURE
ARTS&CULTURE The Grandmaster
Culture Card
A world-class deal for San Francisco culture lovers » PAGE 7
IN THIS ISSUE
Film blends beauty and bonecrushing martial arts » PAGE 10
News Briefs » PAGE 3 PhD Comics » PAGE 9 Puzzles » PAGE 9
Synapse The UCSF Student Newspaper
Thursday, September 12, 2013
synapse.ucsf.edu
Volume 58, Number 2
ORIENTATION ISSUE
NEWS
OPINION
What to Expect in Your First Year of Medical School
Watkins Appointed Vice Chancellor of Student Academic Affairs By Lisa Cisneros UCSF.edu
E
lizabeth Watkins, PhD, Dean of UCSF’s Graduate Division, has been named Vice Chancellor of Student Academic Affairs. She succeeds UCSF Vice Chancellor of Student Academic Affairs Joseph Castro, PhD, who accepted a position as the next president of California State University in Fresno. Watkins, who joined UCSF in 2004, will retain her academic appointment as dean and professor, and will fully assume the responsibilities of vice chancellor. In this expanded position, Watkins’ responsibilities include overseeing all student and graduate affairs. She will lead strategically important educational initiatives and partnerships for UCSF, acting as primary advisor to the Chancellor and Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Jeff Bluestone, PhD, on all matters related to students. “Liz is perfect for this role,” said Bluestone. “Above all, Liz cares deeply about students and is committed to ensuring their
well-being and success at UCSF and beyond. She has a history of working with and across diverse and varied disciplines and areas. The depth and diversity of her personal and professional experience will be invaluable as Vice Chancellor-Student Academic Affairs.” Watkins began her career at UCSF as a professor in the Department of Anthropology, History and Social Medicine and director of Graduate Studies for the History of Health Sciences program. She has served as the dean of Graduate Division since April 2012. The Graduate Division offers top-ranked programs in basic biomedical, translational, social and population sciences. Watkins’ experience working with and on behalf of graduate students and postdocs, building community within the Graduate Division, and developing programs for enhancing diversity and student support, is highly valuable for the Student Academic Affairs role and environment. In her first year as dean, Watkins improved graduate student funding opportuni-
By Yi Lu Editor
A Courtesy photo In her expanded position as Vice Chancellor, Dr. Watkins will oversee all student and graduate affairs.
ties, including securing gifts for and creating new annual fellowships. She and her staff conducted a comprehensive career outcomes study of all PhD graduates since 1997, as part of the effort to enhance career exploration and planning for students and postdocs.
WATKINS » PAGE 4
ARTS&CULTURE
Burning Man Offers an Enchanting Escape By Sun Wu Kong Contributing Writer
S
pread across a scorched sand basin in the heart of Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, 50,000 people are pitching tents, parking RVs, scrambling up giant statues, putting on Day-Glo fur costumes, dancing to techno and brewing coffee on Coleman stoves. The sun rises over distant mountains. Before the week is done, both a 100-foot statue of the iconic “man” and an elaborate temple will rise out of the sand and be consumed by explosions and flames. Hedonism, serenity, beauty and chaos — all these await you. As you step out onto the sand street by your camp, a 50-foot-long dragon rolls past, and the break-beat ambient bass is interrupted suddenly by a burst of flame shooting out of its nostrils. The driver of the magical beast slows her down and beckons to you to climb up onto the dragon’s back.
BURNING MAN » PAGE 3
Photo by Stephen Naylor/graduate student The meaning of some pieces of art are self-evident. The Temple at the Burning Man Festival in Nevada's Black Rock Desert can be seen in the background.
s I enter my second year a little older, a little wiser and a lot better at parallel parking, I look back at my first year and think, “Wow, I really regret buying 1,000 shares of Facebook’s IPO.” But I also think back to the time just before I started medical school, when my white coat was still body-fluid-free and Grey’s Anatomy still sounded like a terrible show on ABC. Now that the Class of 2017 is officially on campus getting orientated, I’ve found it the perfect chance to reach into that ratty old dumpster that some people have called my brain, shake out the summer pool reading and Netflix TV show binges and try to remember what life was like as an entering first-year medical student. So, in no particular order, here are six things that you can expect in your first year of medical school at UCSF. 1. You will be amazed at how many facts your brain can absorb. When you finish Prologue and look back at that 1,000-page syllabus, you might feel a little in awe over how much material you just covered in a mere two months. Remember this feeling when you receive in your Inbox 10 pages of pharm cards with drugs, mechanisms and adverse effects to memorize. 2. You will be horrified at how quickly you can forget it all. When you walk into your preceptorship the week after your cardiology final and your preceptor asks you three drugs you might want to give that patient with hypertension, don’t freak out if it takes you a few seconds or minutes to answer him. You’ll learn it again come Boards time. 3. You won’t be able to imagine life without Pass/Fail. Gone are the days of curves, grade deflation and calculating how many points you can miss on the final and still pull off that “A.” You might still do some quick mental math on how many points you can miss to comfort-
FIRST YEAR » PAGE 4
2 | September 12, 2013 | synapse.ucsf.edu
EVENTS
MISSION BAY FARMERS’ MARKET
MISSION BAY EVENTS
STUDENT RESOURCE CENTER ICECREAM BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Friday, Sept. 13, noon-1 p.m., Student Resource Center, Mission Bay Enjoy a sweet treat and celebrate the Student Resource Center’s birthday.
MUSLIM FRIDAY PRAYER SERVICES: MISSION BAY
Friday, Sept. 13, 1-2 p.m., Helen Diller, 160, Mission Bay The Muslim Community at UCSF holds regular Friday prayer services (Jum’a) for the UCSF Muslim community every week. Come join your fellow brothers and sisters for prayer, lunch and socializing. All are welcome.
INTRODUCTION TO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY WORKSHOP
Tuesday, Sept. 17, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Byers Hall, 212, Mission Bay Introduction to IP Basics Workshop with Michael Shuster, PhD, JD, partner in Fenwick & West’s Intellectual Property Practice and Co-chair of the Life Sciences Group. Shuster will address the IP issues that have been on your mind: What can I say to the outside world about my invention? Is it OK to talk to investors about my technology? Shuster will be joined by Karin Immergluck, head of UCSF’s Technology Management group. http://bit.ly/17Hq70Q
GSA MEETING: GRADUATE, NURSING & PT STUDENTS
Tuesday, Sept. 17, 5:30 p.m., Byers Hall, 215, Mission Bay Meet your Executive Board members at the monthly GSA meeting and be a part of the discussion on topics relating to student priorities. Visit the GSA website for more details and to RSVP. gsa.ucsf.edu.
Wednesday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Gene Friend Way Plaza, Mission Bay Shop healthy, shop fresh, shop Californiagrown at the UCSF Farmers’ Market every Wednesday (rain or shine). Sponsor: Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association.
VENDOR SHOWCASE
Thursday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Koret Quad, Mission Bay Visit the Vendor Showcase and enjoy a scoop of Fenton’s Famous Ice Cream. Giveaways include a mountain bike, Kindle, iPad and Safeway Gift Cards. Vendors will show off their best products, designed to make labs more productive.
J-1 ORIENTATION
Thursday, Sept. 19, noon-2 p.m., Rock Hall, 102, Mission Bay At orientation, you will learn about travelling during your program, employment and reimbursement policies, extending your program, and other helpful information about living in San Francisco and doing research at UCSF.
SACNAS MONTHLY SEMINAR
Thursday, Sept. 19, 6-7 p.m., Byers Hall, 215, Mission Bay Join the Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science at UCSF for its semi-monthly organizational meeting. Discuss and plan upcoming events and opportunities and hear about members’ research, socialize, and eat pizza. RSVP to sacnasatucsf@gmail.com with the subject line “Seminar RSVP.”
PARNASSUS EVENTS MUSLIM FRIDAY PRAYER SERVICES
Friday, Sept. 13 and 20, 1:30-2 p.m., Medical Sciences, 180, Parnassus The Muslim Community at UCSF holds
Synapse
500 Parnassus Ave. Millberry Union 108W San Francisco, CA 94143 tel: (415) 476-2211 | fax: (415) 502-4537 synapse@ucsf.edu
The UCSF Student Newspaper synapse.ucsf.edu STAFF
Yi Lu | EDITOR Jenny Qi | EXECUTIVE EDITOR Alexandra Greer | SCIENCE EDITOR Geraldine Tran | ASSOCIATE EDITOR Angela Castanieto | ASSOCIATE EDITOR Mason Tran | PHOTO EDITOR Steven Chin | MANAGING EDITOR Victoria Elliott | COPY EDITOR
About
Synapse is the UCSF student-run weekly newspaper, which runs on Thursdays during the academic year and monthly during the summer. Synapse seeks to serve as a forum for the campus community. Articles and columns represent the views of the authors and not necessarily those of the Board of Publications or the University of California.
Submissions
Announcements and letters should be submitted six days before publication. All submissions can be either emailed or mailed. All material is subject to editing. Letters to the Editor must be signed by the author.
Subscriptions Subscriptions cost $20/year ($40/outside US).
Advertising
Paid advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views of Synapse. Synapse and its editorial board reserve the right to decline advertisements promoting false or misleading claims, known health risks, or content deemed by the editors to be antithetical to the interests of UCSF students or the UCSF community. Synapse does not accept advertisements from tobacco or alcohol manufacturers, or sexually oriented personal ads. Synapse reserves the right to run any ad with a disclaimer.
regular Friday prayer services (Jum’a) for the UCSF Muslim community every week. Come join your fellow brothers and sisters for prayer, lunch and socializing. All are welcome.
PARNASSUS FARMERS’ MARKET
Wednesday, Sept. 18 and 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., ACC, 400 Parnassus Ave. Shop the Farmers’ Markets on Wednesdays to pick up locally grown produce and more. Sponsor: Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association.
SYNAPSE NEWSPAPER
Wednesday, Sept. 18 and 25, noon-1 p.m., MU 123W, Parnassus Synapse is looking for Mission Bay and Parnassus writers, bloggers, photographers and designers. Come to the lunch meeting, share your story ideas and enjoy a free lunch. For more information, email synapse@ucsf. edu.
SUCCESS SERIES
Wednesday, Sept. 18, 5-6 p.m., Nursing, 217, Parnassus Get organized and develop your professional self. The Success Series offers monthly workshops aimed at enhancing your professional experiences and academic wellbeing at UCSF. Topics include improving focus, managing stress and test anxiety, conflict resolution and respecting differences. RSVP: felicia.mercer@ucsf.edu
TECH TOOLS FOR YOU: AN INTERACTIVE INTRO TO HEALTH TECH AND INNOVATION
Thursday, Sept. 19-Thursday Nov. 21, noon-1 p.m., Medical Science, 174, Parnassus Organized by the student-led Health Technology Interest Group, this lunchtime elective will expose students to healthrelated tech tools that are available to them now and in the future; teach students how to use these tools; and provide opportunities for students to connect with mentors. Students can register via the Student Portal.
NATIVE AMERICAN HEALTH SYSTEMS
Monday, Sept. 19, noon-1 p.m., Medical Science, 172, Parnassus Dr. Roger C. Montgomery, the medical director of the Cherokee Nation Health Services, will speak about managing one of the largest health systems for Native Americans. He will discuss how the Cherokee Nation health system and other systems differ from more traditional health care providers. He will offer opportunities for getting involved with Native American health in medical school and beyond. Lunch will be provided.
CULTURE CARD SALES: $25 FOR 25 PERFORMANCES
Monday, Sept. 23, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Medical Sciences Lobby, Parnassus San Francisco Performances Culture Card is the best deal in town for arts lovers. This easy, accessible and inexpensive program, only $25 for 25 performances, is your direct connection to world-class classical music, vocal programs, dance and jazz. Make sure to bring your UCSF ID! http://bit.ly/15C3sai.
CHANCELLOR’S STATE OF THE UNIVERSITY ADDRESS
Tuesday, Sept. 24, 12 – 1 p.m., Cole Hall, Parnassus Chancellor Desmond-Hellmann speaks to the campus community and discusses her vision for UCSF this year at the State of the University Address at Cole Hall on the Parnassus campus. The noontime speech also will be live-streamed and broadcast on televisions at other university locations.
MUSIC IN THE LIBRARY
Wednesday, Sept. 25, noon-1 p.m., Library, Lange Reading Room, Parnassus Bring your books and study or just sit back and relax while listing to acoustic music by Bonnie & the BANG BANG in the library. Bonnie blends masterful song writing with a powerful live performance designed to mesmerize. Enjoy a free chair massage and light refreshments. First come, first served.
OFF-CAMPUS FRIDAY NIGHTS AT THE DE YOUNG
Friday, Sept. 13, 5-8.45 p.m., de Young Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park Friday Nights at the de Young offers a variety of interdisciplinary arts programs, including live music, dance performances, film screenings, panel discussions, lectures, artist demonstrations, special performances, hands-on art activities and more. Programs are free and open to the public, but do not include admission to the museum's galleries.
BREWERS’ GUILD UCSF HOMEBREW FESTIVAL AND COMPETITION
Saturday, Sept. 14, 7-10 p.m., Langton Labs, 9 Langton St., SF Come taste a dozen homebrews brewed by members of the UCSF community and vote for your favorite! $5 suggested donation.
CLASSIFIEDS WEST COAST FOOT LASER
Laser fungus removal treatment, pain free and student discount. Free consultation. Email erubins2005@yahoo.com.
ANNOUNCEMENTS EXCELLENCE IN PARTNERSHIP AWARDS
UCSF University Community Partnerships invite applications for the Excellence in Partnership Award. This award recognizes exemplary partnerships between San Francisco Bay Area communities and UCSF that build on each other’s strengths to improve higher education, civic engagement and the overall health of communities throughout the nine-county Bay Area (San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, Sonoma, Napa, Marin and Solano counties). Application deadline is Monday, Sept. 16 at 5 p.m.
UCSF FACULTY AND STAFF ART SHOW OPENING RECEPTION
Monday, Sept. 30, 5-7 p.m., Millberry Union Event and Meeting Center, Parnassus Join us to see what amazing things our talented colleagues are creating, and to celebrate 25 years of making art at UCSF. Art viewing is Oct. 1-3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. We will also be featuring lunchtime talks with artists, Oct. 1-3, 12 noon -1 p.m. Sponsored by the Performing Arts Fund.
CAMPUS POETS & WRITERS
Join an ongoing, informal workshop facilitated by UCSF author Dr. David Watts. Beginners welcome, bring a poem or a short prose piece, or just come to listen. Group meets Mondays 4:30-5:30pm, 350 Parnassus, #900. Contact: hdwatts@comcast.net
SAVE THE DATE — BLOCK PARTY 7
Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013, noon-2 p.m. at Gene Friend Way Plaza, Mission Bay Come celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Mission Bay at Block Party 7. Rain or shine. Sponsors: Campus Life Services, University Development & Alumni Relations, and the Pacific Coast Farmers' Market Association.
synapse.ucsf.edu | September 12, 2013 | 3
Burning Man » FROM HOME PAGE
You pull yourself up into a party of friendly strangers, someone pours you a gin and tonic, and you’re whisked away into the enchanting dawn of your first day at Burning Man. This is the famous Burning Man Festival, held every year on Labor Day weekend and the preceding week. This year’s festival theme was “Cargo Cult,” with many of the art installations dealing with the deification of mundane objects. And for the third year in a row, the event was sold out. The population of Black Rock City, with its post office, two radio stations, a landing field, a health clinic and an ordered road grid, spiked this year to somewhere around 68,000. UCSF Burners UCSF can claim many creative and energetic minds who participate annually in this surrealistic event, and this year was no exception. As there is no official UCSF camp, it’s not possible to know how many members of the UCSF community were in attendance. One thing is certain, however: scientists and medical professionals are not out of place at Burning Man. While it is famous for hippies and ravers, the Burner community hails as much from Cole Valley and Silicon Valley as it does from the art warehouses of West Oakland. For example, one large theme camp, Phage Camp, with a prominent location on Esplanade, the main street of Black Rock City, is known to have strong UCSF representation. While it offers its share of thumping electronica, the camp also offers daily lectures on scientific topics. In 2010, I attended a talk on
NEWS
LGBT Resource Center Offers Education and Support Staff Report
L
arry D. Lariosa, MA, a licensed marriage and family therapist, has been named diversity program manager and LGBT specialist at UCSF’s Office of Diversity and Outreach. Lariosa will be responsible for the design, execution and assessment of diversity and outreach programs that advance the strategic goals of the Office of Diversity and Outreach and the campus, UCSF Medical Center and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. Lariosa will direct and manage all activities of the LGBT Resource Center — formerly known as the UCSF Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Health and Equity — a center that is considered a national leader in increasing awareness of the LGBT community and addressing issues of equality and inclusion. In his new position, Lariosa will report to Renee Chapman Navarro, MD, PharmD, vice chancellor of Diversity and Outreach. “I look forward to Larry working with the campus and Medical Center to continue and strengthen the great work that has put UCSF on the map for raising awareness for critical diversity issues, including LGBT health care and equity,” said Navarro. Founded in 1998, the UCSF LGBT Resource Center provides advocacy, education and support to the campus community. This includes working toward creating and maintaining a safe, inclusive and equitable environment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI) students, staff, faculty, postdocs, residents, fel-
the concept of infinity and a mathematical proof of a number larger than infinity. So it is that the spirit of absurdity and profundity, which pervades Burning Man as a whole, can also be applied to the realm of science, bringing science comfortably into the Burner fold. "My first few years were mostly observational, learning the mores and expectations of Black Rock City culture,” said UCSF grad student and long-time Burner, Stephen Naylor, describing the evolution of his participation. “By the third year, I became fascinated with the process of how that culture comes into being, so my friends and I established [Cougar Melon] camp so we could be creators of BRC culture rather than just observers.” Last year, based on everything he’d learned in previous years, Naylor returned to a more minimal setup. “Neither on the outside looking in for what to do, nor part of an establishment with a specific mission, I could now fully participate, knowing that my every choice was all part of the great experiment,” he said. During the rest of the year, Naylor does more conventional experiments in cell biology at the Mission Bay campus, with yeast as his model organism. Indeed, the culture of Burning Man is hard to encapsulate and is different for different participants. While the infamous drugs and nudity are indeed prominent features, they are far from universal. Rather, a few common attitudes, generally shared by all, unite the community, from the metal-welding sculptors to the late-night boppers, to the yogis and yoginis, the Black Rock Rangers in their cargo kilts, to the bodypainting nudists, the friendly, bemused foreigners from Europe, Asia and Australia and the psychedelic explorers of inner and outer space. lows, alumni and alumnae and patients. The Center aims to sustain visibility and a sense of community throughout the campus and Medical Center. LGBT students will find a wealth of resources at the center. An online “Out List” features UCSF faculty and staff who are available for mentoring; both a community Listserv and Facebook page provide students information about campus and community events. Other UCSF resources for LGBT students include discussion and support groups, annual celebrations and programs (i.e. Faculty-Student Reception, National Coming Out Day, LGBT Health Awareness Week, LGBTQI Fall Student Mixer and the Visibility Project). The Center also provides volunteer opportunities to foster both student and staff development. One event that students should plan on attending this year is the annual for-credit “LGBTQI Health Forum,” generally held in the winter quarter. This popular event, a collaboration between the UCSF LGBT Resource Center and the LGBTQ Student Association, gives UCSF students from all schools an opportunity to learn about LGBTQI health concerns, including: • the particular clinical concerns of LGBTQI people—for example, an elevated risk for some cancers, cardiovascular disease, STDs, substance abuse, tobacco use and depression; • what transgender patients are asking of the health care system, from health insurance coverage to surgery and/or hormones for gender transitions; • how intake forms, history-taking and other patient communications can be sensitive and welcoming to LGBTQI patients — for example, how to relate comfortably to a patient who has mentioned a same-sex partner; • laws and policies calling for equal treatment of LGBTQI people in health care and beyond. This year’s event date is scheduled for February 2014. For more information about the LGBT Resource Center, please contact: larry.lariosa@ucsf.edu.
10 Principles of Burning Man The one attempt at a codification of these values is the “10 Principles of Burning Man.” They are: • radical inclusion • gifting • de-commodification • radical self-reliance • radical self-expression • communal effort • civic responsibility • leaving no trace • participation • immediacy. If that list intrigues you, you are not alone. For many first-time Burners, the full implication of these principles is far from clear. Many claim that it is through the process of exploring what these principles truly mean that the deepest lessons emerge. For example, participation is one of the most cherished principles at Burning Man, and many of the art pieces are designed to be interactive, so that only with the viewer’s participation does the meaning of the art become complete. To that end, many of the theme camps are constantly inviting strangers into their geodesic-domed spaces to join in activities. Without the participation of outside people, the meaning of the camp could be fulfilled. However, citizens always draw a line somewhere, requiring private space at least for sleeping and eating. The discussion over where exactly that line should be drawn is ongoing and collaborative and makes all members of Black Rock City more aware of the boundaries between public and private in their own lives.
Sun Wu Kong is a graduate student at UCSF.
OPINION
Letter to the Editor
D
ear Editor,
“UCSF Tobacco Policy Is the Wrong Approach” (Sept. 5) provides an option for adopting a more cooperative effort to create a “100% Tobacco-Free” environment, rather than imposing a mandated prohibition on smoking Although Mr. Govind argues against creating a “punitive atmosphere”, his article doesn’t resolve the issue of what damage smoking can inflict, in a health center that children and expectant mothers visit, and in an establishment that prides itself on evidence-based research on tobacco control and policy. This is a public issue, where the greater good lies in the greatest number of people helped in the long term. The article did not focus on any evidence in its call to action to stop “hanging a nebulous threat over people’s heads.” If this is all that the non-punitive policy would create, as compared with preventing debilitating ill effects from smoking and second- and third-hand smoke on the well-being of many people over a lifetime, then perhaps a policy to control smoking on UCSF premises is not such a bad policy. There is voluminous evidence that chewing tobacco causes oral cancer and poor dentition, just to name a few of its ill effects. The behavioral component in smoking means that e-cigarettes are not completely harmless, in so far as they are used as a harm reduction aid for smokers. It should also be noted that these two products are known to be marketed to adolescents, infused with candy and fruit flavors designed to appeal to them, and can too easily be bought over the counter. Lastly, I strongly urge the use of our Legacy Tobacco Documents Library, where this information is available, to conduct a research-driven policy. Marissa Cruz, RN, PHN
NEWS BRIEFS New Start and End Times for UCSF Courses Approved
The Academic Senate’s Committee on Educational Policy (CEP) has approved a new policy on course start and end times, effective the fall quarter of 2013. Courses in general assignment classrooms with a scheduled start time at the top of the hour begin 10 minutes after the hour and end at their scheduled end times. Faculty and administrators felt it was time to codify what had been an informal practice for many years, especially since the absence of such a policy had led to misunderstandings, conflicts and inconsistencies in the application of “lecture capture”, a widely used learning tool. The policy, which was vetted by the Academic Senate’s CEP and reviewed and approved by the vice/associate deans of schools and the Graduate Division, will provide consistency in start and end times, increase the effectiveness and efficiency of lecture capture and provide an established transit time for students and an opportunity for Facilities Services to do minor maintenance between classes. The policy affects only numbered courses in the course catalog in general assignment classrooms.
CTSI Catalyst Awards Program Accepting Student Internship Applications The Catalyst Awards combine customized expert advice with funding to help drive promising early-stage research through the lengthy and complex process of translating ideas into patient benefit. The awards program is managed by UCSF’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI). To provide an opportunity for medical students, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to learn about early translational research and the process of translating academic discoveries into valuable products, CTSI has created the Catalyst Awards Internship Program. Deadline for applications for the fall 2013 cycle is September 30. Interns will have access to all aspects of the awards program, including the project review process and the unique interactions between the academic researchers and industry experts who serve as Catalyst Awards Advisors. Up to eight interns will be accepted for the fall 2013 cycle. To learn more about eligibility and requirements, and to apply, visit accelerate.ucsf.edu/training/catalyst-internship.
EZproxy: A New Way to Access Resources from Off Campus The UCSF Library is introducing EZproxy, a new method for off-campus access to online resources. UCSF users can access library resources from off the UCSF network by using your MyAccess login. You will not need to be logged into campus VPN in order to access the Library’s online resources. EZproxy eliminates issues that currently exist when using web VPN with MyNCBI and The New England Journal of Medicine. It will also improve access to library resources on mobile devices. To use EZproxy for off-campus access, go to the Library website (library.ucsf.edu) and click on any online database, ebook, or journal. You will be prompted for your MyAccess information. Just log in to go to the resource! The Library will also provide an EZproxy bookmarklet — a tool that you save in your browser toolbar. If you go directly to a journal website, rather than through the Library site, the bookmarklet allows you to log in and gain access to subscriber content. More information can be found at library. ucsf.edu/ezproxy.
4 | September 12, 2013 | synapse.ucsf.edu
Watkins
First Year
After reviewing the organizational structure of the vice chancellor of Student Academic Affairs function, UCSF leaders determined that the campus would benefit from integrating the Vice Chancellor-Student Academic Affairs role with the academic DeanGraduate Division position. “This is a stellar opportunity for our campus,” said Chancellor Susan DesmondHellmann, MD, MPH. “With a solid understanding of UCSF’s graduate student culture and operations, not only will UCSF benefit from having someone of such high caliber and integrity to serve in this role, along with the willingness, the blending of these two positions into one promotes Operational Excellence through cost-savings to the University.” The campus will save money on the recruitment process as well as expenses related to moving, house-hunting, temporary housing and ongoing expenses related to a full-time salary with associated Senior Management Group (SMG) benefits. Watkins earned both her BA degree in biology and her PhD degree at Harvard University. She is the author of On the Pill: A Social History of Oral Contraceptives and The Estrogen Elixir: A History of Hormone Replacement Therapy in America and co-editor of Medicating Modern America: A History of Prescription Drugs and Prescribed: Writing, Filling, Using, and Abusing the Prescription in Modern America. She continues to supervise PhD students writing dissertations in the history of health sciences at UCSF.
ably get a 75% (you’ll probably want to leave at least a 5% buffer), and then decide to finish the test early and get some gelato. 4. Your non-med school friends and family will grossly overestimate how hard you’re working. And it’s mostly true. Just don’t feel obligated to mention that Monday night concert you scored $12 tickets for, or those Tuesday 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. lectures when you “overslept,” freeing up time to go for a run in Golden Gate Park followed by brunch. I think I consistently got more sleep in my first year in medical school than I did in undergrad, and I don’t regret it one bit. 5. No matter how awkward your interview with that patient went, just know that a past, present or future classmate has had it worse. I can’t ethically tell you the stories that I want to tell you here, but don’t worry; you’ll have plenty of your own by year’s end. 6. Don’t be surprised if you find it hard to leave work at work. My friends and I once tried a game where we agreed to collectively slap the first person to bring up any med school-related topic in our conversations. Let’s just say a lot of mulligans were taken that day. Calling all Class of 2017ers — what do you expect in your first year of medical school? Send your responses to Yi (Yi.Lu@ ucsf.edu), who is still trying to work off his Facebook debt.
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NEWS
Become a UCSF Insider in Three Easy Ways Staff Report
S
tudent Life is here to help you maximize your “out of classroom” experience by supporting and enhancing student activities, fostering community and cultivating leadership development. Student Life offers a variety of quarterly programs to help you balance all areas of your life, to be successful academically and personally and to provide opportunities to meet students from other disciplines. Student Life is truly a campus-wide student service, providing programs and resources for UCSF students in all professional schools and the Graduate Division. To kick off your first year on the right foot, follow these three easy steps to get the inside scoop about UCSF and to get involved. 1. Check out the Student Inside Guide The Student Inside Guide is a one-stop shop resource of services and information about UCSF and the San Francisco community. It is the one place you can go to learn everything you need to know, including information on transportation, student health, social opportunities, learning skills, discounts and deals, finances, community links, student groups and governments, disability services, career planning and international needs.
Also be sure to read your weekly Student Inside Guide email each Thursday to keep up to date on campus and local events, insider tips and announcements. insideguide.ucsf.edu 2. Join or start a Registered Club and Organization Registered Clubs and Organizations (RCOs) are a very important part of campus life, and each year, Student Life supports more than 140 RCOs at UCSF by offering a variety of free resources, such as suggesting vendors, renting out event supplies, printing posters, recommending funding sources and more. If you ever need event support or help finding like-minded peers, contact Student Life. clubs.ucsf.edu 3. Attend a student government meeting With its distinct student populations, UCSF has two overarching student governments: the Associated Students of UCSF (ASUC), which serves Dental, Medical and Pharmacy students, and the Graduate Student Association (GSA) which serves Nursing, Physical Therapy, Life Sciences and Social and Behavioral Sciences students. Student Life advises both student governments and encourages all students to attend a monthly meeting to meet Executive Board members and to become a part of the discussion on topics relating to student priorities. URLs: asuc.ucsf.edu, gsa.ucsf.edu
9/4/2013 10:48:19 AM
So You’ve Made It to UCSF: What’s Next?
Staff Report
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ight now, you are probably overwhelmed by the frantic bustle of returning to school, wondering where your next classroom is, looking for a study buddy and watching any savings you have evaporate in rental or textbook costs. Hopefully you’re also still basking in the pride of having made it to UCSF! But in a few months, once you’ve settled in the routine of classes, exams and endless shuttle or elevator rides, you might well ask yourself: What’s next? What comes after UCSF? And how do I prepare for it? That’s when you’ll want to turn to the Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD). Career path assistance The OCPD helps students from all UCSF schools hone their academic or professional skills, decide on a career path and prepare for a successful job hunt. • Are you a pharmacy student looking for an internship? A dentistry student preparing a research poster? The OCPD staff can help you polish your resume or craft an outstanding poster presentation. • Are you a graduate student interested in teaching? The OCPD organizes teacher training and teaching opportunities. • Are you going to a professional meeting and unsure about how to put a talk together or how to network with strangers? The OCPD runs workshops on slide presentations and on networking at conferences.
• Are you trying to figure out how to approach a difficult professional conversation with a supervisor or mentor? We can help you craft a conversation strategy. • Are you unsure whether you’ll go into private practice or residency? Academia or industry? Research, teaching or the clinic? The OCPD offers workshops and one-on-one consultations to help you find the career path that’s right for you. Where to find us? OCPD has offices located on the Parnassus campus (Medical Sciences Building, Room S-140) and on the Mission Bay campus (Community Center, Room CC310). You can call (415) 476-4986 or e-mail (ocpd@ucsf. edu) to make an appointment. In the meantime, check our extensive Web site (http://career.ucsf.edu/). It describes our programs and services for each school and specialty, has links to a detailed calendar of OCPD-sponsored events and gives you access to a wide collection of annotated samples — residency letters, cover letters, CVs and resumes, and sample interview questions — to help you prepare for your next move. Note: The OCPD serves not only students but also postdoctoral researchers. Our oneon-one consultations are free and confidential. URL: career.ucsf.edu Telephone: (415) 476-4986 Email: ocpd@ucsf.edu
synapse.ucsf.edu | September 12, 2013 | 5
NEWS
Introducing the CLARIOstar® Any Wavelength. Any Bandwidth. Any Assay.
Staff Report
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The First High Performance Microplate Reader with Advanced LVF MonochromatorsTM, Spectrometer and Filters Advanced Detection for Fluorescence and Luminescence Assays: Continuously adjustable wavelengths (320 - 850 nm) and bandwidths (8 - 100 nm) for excitation and emission Increased sensitivity over conventional monochromators Integrated fluorophore library for easy wavelength selection Use monochromators, filters, or a combination of both Fluorescence and Luminescence spectral scanning CLARIOstar Additional Features: Full spectral absorbance with ultra-fast UV/Vis spectrometer Laser-based Alpha Technology Fluorescence Intensity, FRET, Fluorescence Polarization, TRF/TR-FRET/HTRF®, Luminescence, and BRET Reagent injectors for kinetic or cell-based assays Low volume DNA measurements Visit us at the Mission Bay Campus Vendor Show Sept 19th, and Parnassus Campus Vendor Show on Oct 3rd for more information.
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Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the Student Financial Aid Office
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t the beginning of every school year, I hear stories. Students share information about financial aid that they learned from undergraduate school, or from a friend or roommate. Many of these stories won’t match your UCSF experience. So, in the best tradition of late-night television, here are the Top 10 things you need to know about your financial aid and the Student Financial Aid Office: No. 10: The Registrar and Financial Aid Office offer a shared front desk service to students, and we are open for business from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students with questions about registration (e.g. California residency, paying fees, transcripts and verifications) or financial aid (e.g. disbursement schedules, questions about your awards) can visit us on the second floor of Millberry Union to receive assistance. No. 9: If you have questions or concerns that won’t take long to resolve, you can drop in during business hours, and generally see a Drop-In Advisor within a few minutes. If you have something that will take longer to resolve, call and make an appointment to see your assigned advisor—you will be able to schedule an appointment and see your advisor within a few days. No. 8: We’ve been keeping an eye on the economy, just like you have. If you are having problems making ends meet, make an appointment to see your financial aid advisor. We can help you with budgeting tips, but if you have a real problem, sometimes more aid can be awarded. Here’s the Advisor Caseload (check our website at finaid.ucsf.edu for contact information): •• Dentistry: Ron James •• Medicine: Annie Osborne •• Pharmacy: Aaron Lee •• Nursing, Graduate Division and Physical Therapy: Lily Ling •• Veterans: Christine Coleman No. 7: Students with children should know that the financial aid budget can be adjusted to account for some of your child care costs. No. 6: UCSF has a great health care plan, but if some of your medical or dental costs aren’t being covered by insurance, financial aid can often be increased to help pay unreimbursed expenses. No. 5: If your situation changes during the year, let us know. Maybe your spouse lost a job, you plan to have a child, you’re thinking about extending your program, your roommate won’t talk to you anymore, or you just have questions about how to repay your student loans once you graduate—we can help! No. 4: Get to know your financial aid advisor. That person will be helpful when you have questions about your financial aid and can become a helpful ally for you. No. 3: We have a staff person here who is totally focused on helping you understand your loan repayment options and budget strategies. You should be hearing from Annie Osborne while you’re here. She makes presentations during the year and also meets with individuals. No. 2: If you haven’t applied yet, it’s not too late. We take applications throughout the year, although you may have missed priority deadlines. ... and the No. 1 thing you need to know about financial aid: A little over a year ago, our Chancellor launched a new education fund-raising initiative with a target of $100 million. The Education Fundraising Initiative is a campus-wide, four-year (FY12-15), development effort to raise funds for new scholarships and fellowships and support for curriculum innovation, inter-professional education and teaching facilities. To date, more than $45 million has been raised toward this goal, and the first scholarships and fellowships have already been awarded! URL: finaid.ucsf.edu Telephone: (415) 476-4181 Email: finaid@ucsf.edu
6 | September 12, 2013 | synapse.ucsf.edu
NEWS
CLS: So Many Options for a Healthy, Happy School Year By Rani Goel Campus Life Services
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eing a student at the world’s top research and medical sciences institution means that it’s essential for you to be in the best shape mentally, physically and spiritually. Campus Life Services is dedicated to supporting you to stay healthy, happy, engaged and in balance. It offers students low and nocost programs, hosts many events and creates opportunities for you to thrive during these years of hard work at UC San Francisco. Get to know CLS, and you’ll be in good hands. Stay fit, have fun As you become acquainted with the campus and the community, you may soon realize that Fitness and Recreation becomes a huge part of your life. The fitness centers at Mission Bay and Parnassus are included in the tuition for most UCSF students and include access to the latest in cardio and weight equipment, pools and a climbing wall. You’ll be able to meet new people, learn and improve skills, try new activities, go on group outings, challenge yourself physically and enjoy a variety of ways to de-stress and give your mind a break. Additionally, Fitness and Recreation offers these popular programs for students: • Premier Membership: Participate in a choice of 140+ group fitness classes for $20 a month. • The Rec Pass: With this pass, UCSF students get an unlimited variety of unique trips, quality classes and fun sports leagues for the whole year. For only $69, this is one of the best deals offered at UCSF. • Sports Leagues: Join a basketball, volleyball or futsal league for some friendly competition at Parnassus or Mission Bay. Winter league sign-ups begin December 1. • Climbing Wall at Mission Bay: Challenge mind and body on this outdoor climbing wall, with a view of downtown San Francisco. Classes are offered for beginners or individual instruction, and recreational open climbing (Tuesdays and Thursdays) is free for students. • Outdoor trips: Go kayaking, stand-up paddling, hiking and camping with experienced guides and other members of the UCSF
community. Most trips are included with purchase of the Rec Pass. • UCSF’s Tahoe Cabin: Students receive priority registration for this large cabin, available for group rentals, located near North Lake Tahoe’s most popular ski spots. Reservations open October 16. Connect with Fitness and Recreation at: campuslifeservices.ucsf.edu/fitnessrecreation Eat, meet and relax There are a wide variety of food options on UCSF campuses. The food court at Millberry Union offers a delicious range of eateries for you to enjoy. At Mission Bay, there are plenty of places for meals, snacks and hanging out. There are even guest food trucks offering a variety of international fare that bring the some of the best food weekly to campus. Connect with Retail Services at: campuslifeservices.ucsf.edu/retail.
Arts and Events puts on several fun and free events like concerts, Halloween costume contests, an annual Block Party, movie screenings and discounted group outings. Bookmark the calendar, sign up for the newsletter and friend Arts and Events on Facebook to get all the details on where the events are happening. Get to know Arts and Events at: campuslifeservices.ucsf.edu/artsevents. Save time and money Time and money are precious, and it’s a relief to know that Campus Life Services has got your back. They’re always finding ways to make things a little easier and hook you up with special offers. • Use the shuttles, City Car Share, carpool or take advantage of other ways to get around town. Explore Transportation Services: campuslifeservices.ucsf.edu/transportation. • Save money and be green, when you buy coffee or tea from most campus retailers. Bring your own cup and get a discount. Learn more here: bit.ly/ucsf_byoc. • Purchase tickets to attractions through Arts & Events and save money.
HEALTHY, HAPPY » PAGE 8
Student Health Care at UCSF
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tudent Health and Counseling Services (SHCS) provides comprehensive primary care and mental health care at two clinics. The Mission Bay clinic is located on the third floor of the William J. Rutter Community Center, and the Parnassus clinic is located on the P8 Level of Millberry Union West. SHCS also provides wellness-related workshops and programs across campuses. These services are available to all registered UCSF students, regardless of whether they have waived the UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP). (Exception: a student who has applied for reduced fees as a “Student Employee” does not have access to SHCS.) Services at Student Health Student Health offers comprehensive prima-
Upper-year BMS graduate student
Be entertained and come to the party
NEWS
Staff Report
“First-year BMS students, remember to bring Tupperware to dinner events to take home leftovers.”
ry care, urgent care, immunizations, physicals and preventive health examinations, mental health counseling, nursing advice and triage, alcohol and drug consultations, nutrition services, travel consultations and will assist in coordinating your specialty care. SHCS is the first point of contact for students and enrollees and will help coordinate all your health care needs. These services are available to all registered UCSF students, regardless of whether they have waived the UC SHIP. For details on services please visit: studenthealth.ucsf.edu/ healthcare-services . Primary care visits can be scheduled online at https://myhealthrecord.com. The link to the scheduling system can be found on the SHCS homepage. **Please note there may be a fee for some services if you have waived UC SHIP, and those students classified as a student employ-
The Climbing Wall at Bakar Fitness & Recreation Center at Mission Bay.
Photo courtesy of CLS
“Smile at people in the halls. You never know who could use it.”
Jenny Qi, third-year graduate student
ee do not have access to Student Health and Counseling Services. Counseling and psychological services SHCS offers short-term mental health counseling at both Mission Bay and Parnassus clinics for all registered students and UC SHIP enrollees. To schedule an appointment at SHCS, call or visit Student Health and ask to speak to a nurse about mental health appointments. If additional therapy or long-term therapy is required, enrollees will be referred to a therapist outside SHCS. For those covered under the UC SHIP, visits with an in-network provider are covered 100% after a $15 co-payment. Out-of-network providers are covered at 60% after the $200 annual deductible. SHCS also offers an after-hours mental health crisis and counseling hotline. Contracted therapists provide telephone intake,
assessment and crisis counseling services during non-working hours Monday through Friday and 24 hours a day on holidays and weekends. To connect with a therapist, call SHCS at (415) 476-1281 and select option 7. Wellness programs and outreach SHCS offers programs every quarter for all registered students and enrollees. Wellness programs and outreach include workshops, lectures, small group series discussion and health education to improve health and promote personal success. This fall, programming includes Suicide Awareness Week: Out of the Silence; Success Series; Dry Saloon: Alcohol Awareness; Speed Friending; Fall Nutrition Series, including Healthy Steps, Nutrition for Women, Sports Nutrition, Mindful Eating, Food for Thought and Simmer Cooking Classes; Unwind: Stress
STUDENT HEALTH » PAGE 8
synapse.ucsf.edu | September 12, 2013 | 7
NEWS
The Library Offers a Space for Everyone
“Drink coffee. It builds character.”
William Temple, MS2
NEWS
GSA Advocates for Students By Jenny Qi Executive Editor
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uring the upcoming academic year, the Graduate Student Association (GSA) will work toward greater inter-professional cooperation and continue its efforts to make UCSF an affordable and welcoming place for all students. GSA is an organization run by students to advocate for students. Specifically, the GSA represents Nursing, Physical Therapy, Life Sciences and Social and Behavioral Sciences graduate students. The organization participates in university decision-making, provides resources to improve student life and foster professional development and promotes a sense of community in the Graduate Division. It’s easy for students to get involved in GSA. All students can attend meetings to voice their opinions, raise awareness of important issues or simply “hear more about what’s going on around campus while enjoying a free dinner,” said Joseph Foy, GSA’s new president and a student in the Master’s Entry Program in Nursing. “I want GSA meetings to be an inviting space for all represented students to learn about the issues going on at the campus and university level,” said Foy. “I also want students to feel welcome to bring their ideas, concerns and criticisms, so that the GSA officers can learn and better serve the student body.” Notable accomplishments of the GSA over the 2012-13 academic year, during the presidency of Neuroscience student Jason Tien, include: 1) working with the University of California Office of the President (UCOP) to
Joseph Foy is GSA's new president.
improve the student health insurance plan; 2) working with Graduate Dean Elizabeth Watkins to establish child care grants for graduate students, and (3) working with graduate program directors to increase student stipends. “By working with the university, [the GSA] can ensure that the school is able to provide an educational experience that meets the student body’s needs,” said Tien. Regular events include trivia and game nights and Career and Research Days (CRD), which consist of seminars, panels and alumni student dinners that help students develop professional skills and explore career opportunities.
Jenny Qi is a third-year Biomedical Sciences student.
NEWS
ASUC, a Voice for Students By Joy Chang Contributing Writer
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CSF consists of highly talented students representing diverse backgrounds and experiences, sharing a common commitment to patient care and community health. Many students at UCSF are immersed and actively involved in their respective programs, and it is easy to lose sight of an important advantage of attending a health professional school — working with other health professionals. The Associated Students of the University of California at San Francisco (ASUC) represents approximately 1,500 Dental, Medical, and Pharmacy students. The student government serves as a common resource for
the different professional schools and acts as a bridge between the university and professional students. The primary purpose of ASUC is to “develop, promote and regulate professional school governments and activities,” according to its mission statement. ASUC achieves this by funding and assisting the activities and events sponsored by Registered Campus Organizations (RCOs), and by hosting a variety of inter-professional events, such as the All School Formal, cultural events and community health fairs. ASUC also voices student opinions in the University of California Student Association (UCSA), a coalition of students representing all UC schools to the UC Regents and to the state government.
ASUC » PAGE 8
Photo by Erin Hayes, UCSF Library © UC Regents The Living Room, a cozy area on the main floor of the Parnassus Library, includes comfortable furniture, computers and printers, and drop-in group study rooms.
By Eric Hayes UCSF Library
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n the past year, the UCSF Library has improved its spaces and services to better serve the needs of students. In spring 2013, the Library opened the Living Room, a redesigned area of the Parnassus Library’s main floor, which includes comfortable furniture, computers and printers and drop-in group study rooms. The Library also installed two walking workstations, or treadmill desks, in the Tech Commons on the second floor, allowing students to walk comfortably, burn calories and feel more energized while working at a computer. This month marks the launch of EZproxy, a streamlined method for off-campus access to online resources. With EZproxy, students can go directly to the Library website (www. library.ucsf.edu), click on any online database, ebook or journal they need, and then enter their MyAccess login to view the resource. What changes can students look forward to in the future? The Library continues to enhance the Collaborative Learning Environment (CLE), UCSF’s online course system. Over the next academic year, the CLE will reflect a new design that makes it easier for students to view courses on a mobile device. “In fall 2014, students will gain a brand new study space at Mission Bay,” said Jim Munson, Director of Administration, Access and Delivery. “The new Learning Commons, located in Mission Hall, will include a 24/7 study space with separate areas for collaborative work and quiet study.” For library updates, follow the UCSF Library on Facebook: facebook.com/ucsflibrary. Day or night The Library is sensitive to the study needs of its diverse student population. Some students may prefer to study in absolute silence, while others want a more flexible, collaborative workspace. To accommodate these varied preferences, the Library will soon designate its study areas as either “quiet study,” “considerate study” or “active learning” zones — for absolute silence, minimal conversation or group discussions, respectively. The UCSF-only quiet study space, located on the fifth floor of the Parnassus Library, offers beautiful views, plenty of light and ample study space. UCSF students can use their campus ID cards to enter. The Hearst Reading Room on the main floor of the Parnassus Library is open for individual and group study 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When the Library is closed, students can use their campus ID cards to directly enter the Hearst Room (to the left of the main entrance when facing the building). The group study rooms on the second, third and fourth floors of the Parnassus Library are ideal for collaborative study and group projects. Nine rooms have wall-mount-
ed monitors for group viewing of laptop displays, and all rooms have whiteboards and wireless access. Students can reserve these rooms at http://tiny.ucsf.edu/reserve. Classrooms on the second floor, and elsewhere on campus, double as study rooms when classes are not in session. The Mission Bay Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute (FAMRI) Library in the Rutter Community Center stays open until midnight on Mondays through Thursdays. After 9 p.m., students can enter via the computer lab doors to the left of the Library’s main entrance. New and returning UCSF students can learn more about library accounts and services in this handy online guide: http://tiny.ucsf.edu/students. About the UCSF Library The Library’s collection covers most aspects of the health science disciplines, consisting of approximately 670,000 volumes, more than 30,000 journals in print and online formats and selected online databases in a wide variety of subject areas. If you can’t find what you need among these vast holdings, the Library can always get it for you. Visit the website to access a wealth of health sciences resources, including digital collections developed by the Library: www.library.ucsf.edu. The Education Services group offers inperson and online help with research and citation management. Education librarians also provide customized instruction to support the curricula of each school. Home to the UCSF Teaching and Learning Center (TLC), the second floor of the Parnassus Library contains technology-enhanced classrooms (which are open as study rooms when a class is not in session), computer and multimedia labs and the Kanbar Center for Simulation, Clinical Skills and Telemedicine Education. Students in all programs can expect opportunities to attend classes in the TLC, including engaging in inter-professional learning activities. Learn more about the TLC at http://tlc.ucsf.edu. The Library’s Learning Technologies group, located in the Tech Commons, supports the application of instructional technology to teaching and learning at UCSF. Hardware, software and consulting support are available for the development of educational materials. Students and other UCSF personnel can borrow iPads and other multimedia equipment from the Tech Commons on the second floor of the Parnassus Campus Library. The Library also maintains computing facilities in the Medical Sciences Building and the Mission Bay Community Center. Questions? Contact the Library in person, by phone at (415) 476-2336, or online at library.ucsf.edu/contact.
Erin Hayes is the web and marketing assistant at the UCSF Library.
8 | September 12, 2013 | synapse.ucsf.edu
NEWS
Counseling Services at UCSF: The “C” In SHCS Staff Report
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ounseling is a well-utilized resource on campus that can help students find support and develop tools for leading productive, well-balanced and fulfilling lives. SHCS counselors are experts in the unique needs of graduate and professional students. In fact, nearly one in six UCSF students sought counseling at SHCS in 2011-12. A confidential space for support, free of cost All students are eligible for up to 10 free sessions of counseling per academic year, regardless of whether they have waived the UC Student Health Insurance Plan. SHCS counselors understand that UCSF students have busy and dynamic schedules, and we offer flexible scheduling, including evening hours. Our psychiatrist also provides medication consultation/evaluation and medication management as appropriate. There is no wrong reason to seek counseling
ASUC
» FROM PAGE 7
2013-2014 priorities ASUC’s top priorities this year are to: 1) optimize the student government system for voicing opinions and obtaining funding; 2) maintain fiscal solvency for student organizations, despite budget cuts, and 3) improve transparency between ASUC and the student body and increase student involvement. Optimizing student government UCSF students are currently represented by two student governments. ASUC represents Dentistry, Medicine and Pharmacy, whereas the Graduate Students Association (GSA) represents the Graduate Division, Nursing and Physical Therapy. The two-government system was historically implemented in order to be consistent with other UCs, which also have two governments representing their graduate and undergraduate divisions, and because the Nursing and Physical Therapy schools award master’s degrees, placing them in the Graduate Division. The disadvantage of the two-government system is primarily its inefficiency. There is no unified student body government representing all student interests, and UCSF administrators interested in obtaining student perspectives have to present to both the ASUC and GSA. RCOs must present their ideas to both ASUC and GSA for funding, which makes funding decisions contingent upon what each
In 2011-12, the top four reasons students presented for counseling were (in order): anxiety, academic concerns, stress and depression/sadness. Sometimes students just need a safe, confidential space to work through a shortterm problem. Others may be going through something more severe. Scheduling an initial consultation with an SHCS counselor is a great way to pinpoint the issue, obtain some non-judgmental feedback and develop a plan for action. Sometimes an SHCS counselor will determine that a student would be best served by seeking long- term counseling in the community with a provider who can see him or her for more than 10 sessions. In this case, SHCS counselors and support staff can help facilitate referral to providers in the community. Addressing stigma SHCS believes that seeking support from others and using one’s resources are signs student government decides. Inter-professional collaboration and school-wide events are more difficult to coordinate between ASUC and GSA, and are less efficient, since this means that events are usually spear-headed by one student government or the other. ASUC and GSA are currently working towards a solution to this problem, possibly by forming a United Student Government to speak for all students, thereby increasing inter-professional and graduate-professional collaboration. Formation of such a student government would serve as a unified voice for students across campus, and greatly improve collaboration with students from different schools.
of strength and important tools for success. SHCS understands that for some students, the idea of counseling evokes fears of being perceived as unstable, seriously impaired or weak. For others, there may be strong cultural or familial beliefs against talking about one’s problems outside the family. SHCS counselors are sensitive to these concerns, and work with students to address them to establish a comfortable experience. We place the highest priority on privacy and confidentiality. Wellness programs and outreach SHCS offers free workshops, lectures, small-group series and education to improve mental, emotional and physical wellness. For details, please check our fall calendar at our website: studenthealth.ucsf.edu. To schedule a counseling appointment, students can call the SHCS main line, at (415) 476-1281, or talk to their SHCS medical provider. If you are a student, and SHCS is closed, and you need urgent support, you can speak with a mental health provider 24/7 over the phone via our Mental Health Crisis Line, (415) 476-1281, and press option 7. If you are experiencing a life-threatening crisis, go to the nearest Emergency Room or call 911. students from different professional programs. Popular social activities in the past have included Trivia Nights, ice cream socials, movie events, community service projects, blood drives and the All School Formal. This year, ASUC plans to continue the social activities that were organized in the past, as well as to implement a new, student-run, school-wide health fair to increase inter-professional collaboration. Meet the ASUC Board members
Increase student involvement
ASUC is directly governed by an Executive Board of seven student-elected officers, elected school presidents of Dentistry, Medicine, and Pharmacy and representatives of six to 10 RCOs. ASUC is also extensively assisted by the staff of the Student Activity Center. An updated list of active board members can be found on the ASUC website. President: Austin Walker Executive Vice President: Matthew Cummings VP, Academic Affairs: Harjus Birk VP, Community Health: Polina Pulyanina VP, Community Relations: Joy Chang VP, External Affairs: William Kim VP, Student Affairs: Justin Becerra and Nicole La Mantia ASUC encourages all students to become involved, and is open to student opinions and concerns. Please check out the ASUC website at asuc.ucsf.edu for more updates and information.
ASUC provides opportunities for fostering relationships and collaboration between
Joy Chang is a third-year dental student and the ASUC VP of Community Relations.
Maintaining fiscal solvency ASUC distributes funds to RCOs and student governments to sponsor academic, cultural and social events catering to professional students. On average, approximately $80,000 is awarded each year through an online application process. This year, however, the funds from the Reserve have diminished, so ASUC will have to make some budget cuts in funding unless a Fee Referendum is passed. Budget cuts could potentially drastically reduce the number and size of events hosted for all students, and ASUC is working on a solution to this problem. For updated information, check out the ASUC website or the RCO portal.
NEWS
Student Disability Services Hires New Director Staff Report
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tudent Disability Services (SDS) welcomes Lisa Meeks as its new director. SDS is the office charged with determining accommodations for students with disabilities. It offers advice for disability-related issues in all domains, as well as adaptive technology needs. “It is often finding the right fit — a technology solution that helps the student better access the information — that is the most rewarding part of the job,” said Meeks, who was
previously the assistant director of disability resources at Case Western Reserve University. “I’m especially excited about finding adaptive technology that easily transfers into the workplace.” Meeks joined the Student Health and Counseling Services in June to lead UCSF’s Student Disability Services office, replacing Neera Jain. “I fe el ver y lucky to b e fol lowing Neera, who paved a thoughtful path at UCSF,” said Meeks. “Neera was highly respected, growing SDS by leaps and
bounds in the short time she was at UCSF.” While at Case Western, Meeks worked closely with public health students to develop a course in culturally competent care of patients with disabilities, and served as a preceptor for students in the Master of Public Health program. She also worked with medical students at free community clinics in Alabama and Ohio, helping provide health education to teenage patients. While Meek’s research and clinical specialty focus on Asperger’s syndrome and peri-
DISABILITY SERVICES » PAGE 10
Happy, Healthy » FROM PAGE 6 To save money, visit: bit.ly/UCSF_CLS_ OnlineStore_Discounts. • If you have better things to do than laundry, let Laundry Locker handle it. Learn more at: bit.ly/UCSF_LaundryLocker. • Buy your course materials, computers, school supplies and UCSF apparel online. Visit the Campus Online Store: bit.ly/ucsfcampusstore. Put your family first Child Care and Family Services provide many services and referrals for the kinds of care your family might need, from day care to educational programs and connections to many family services in the Bay Area. Get to know Child Care and Family Services: campuslifeservices.ucsf.edu/childcare.
Student Health » FROM PAGE 6
Management Skills for Women, Perks of Being an Introvert and International Education Month. Visit http://studenthealth.ucsf.edu/ wellness for updates and the full fall quarter calendar. UC SHIP Insurance Benefits UC SHIP covers health care services provided by non-Student Health practitioners and clinics. All medically necessary, specialty care, hospital stays, physical therapy, acupuncture and chiropractic care, prescriptions, lab tests, radiology services and more are covered by the plan if authorized by a SHCS provider. Primary care services are provided by SHCS. If you are out of area, you may request a referral to primary care from SHCS. No primary care services outside SHCS are covered without a referral. All UCSF students are automatically enrolled in UC SHIP unless an online waiver application is submitted and approved. Eligibility begins for new students at the start of their program. Coverage for continuing Graduate Division and continuing School of Medicine students began September 1. Coverage for continuing School of Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy and Physical Therapy students begins September 11. UC SHIP complies with major Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) benefits. Benefits added for the 2013-14 plan year include no annual or lifetime limits on medical and behavioral health benefits, unlimited pharmacy prescription drug benefits, no caps on essential health benefits such as chiropractic care and osteopathic manipulation, air ambulance, durable medical equipment, home health care, hospice care, physical therapy, physical medicine, occupational and speech therapy, skilled nursing facility and gender reassignment surgery. The plan also has no pre-existing condition restrictions. UC SHIP also provides for dental and vision benefits. For a complete summary of the UC SHIP benefits, please visit the Student Health and Counseling website: studenthealth.ucsf.edu . ** UC SHIP Member ID cards for all enrolled students will be mailed mid-September. ** Feedback If you have an idea about how SHCS can improve services or if you have any questions, feel free to contact Executive Director Susan Rosen, MD, or Director Adele Anfinson, MHA, or submit an anonymous message by clicking the Feedback link on our website, studenthealth.ucsf.edu, or call us at (415) 4761281.
synapse.ucsf.edu | September 12, 2013 | 9
PUZZLES
Piled Higher and Deeper by Jorge Cham
The Weekly Crossword
ACROSS 1 Christen 8 Future fern 13 In Europe, perhaps 15 Blissful place 16 Imminent danger warning 17 First in line, perhaps 18 Art film, often 19 Part of USNA 21 Caviar source 22 ____ and void 23 Greg Louganis, e.g. 24 Steer clear of 25 Word from the Beaver 26 Church doctrine 27 Patient's record 28 Salad bar utensil 29 Hypnotic spell 30 Quagmire 32 Lowly laborer 33 Come up with, as a plan 34 Like some eyes 35 Quite proficient 36 Poke fun at 37 Played the first card 40 Paddock papa 41 Mann's "_____ in Venice" 42 Command to Rover 43 Little bit 44 Flower purchase 45 Be silent, in music
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Copyright 2013 by The Puzzle Syndicate
46 Not written in 8 List on Ebay, key maybe 48 Unyielding 9 Hippie's digs 50 Prayer beads 10 Roof projection 51 Basket case 11 It may be renewable 52 Barrel scrapings 53 Fend off 12 Summit achievement DOWN 14 Fends (off) Week of 9/9/13 - 9/15/13 1 Yawn-inducing 15 Preside over 2 Park or 20 Doc for Fido Pennsylvania 23 Not too bright 3 Sell door-to24 Less than legit door 26 Breakfast staple 4 Hiker's venue 27 Type of oil 5 Dot on a map 28 Worthless stuff 6 Waltz finale? 29 Desktop icon 7 Annual report 30 Dispute referee data
31 Cause of death for some young celebs 32 Site for some confessions 33 Comtemptible fellow 34 Guiding light 36 Till bill 37 Track down 38 Ipecac, e.g. 39 Do a sleuth's job 41 ____ noted 42 December ditty 44 Poolroom sites 45 Gang's domain 47 Over-the-hill horse 49 Still to be paid
Edited by Margie E. Burke
Difficulty : Medium
title: "How was your summer?" - originally published 8/30/2013
Grad School Illustrated
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www.phdcomics.com
HOW TO SOLVE:
Jillian Varonin is a fourth-year BMS student.
ARTS&CULTURE
The Grandmaster Blends Beauty with Bone Crushing
(Answer appears elsewhere in this issue)
Copyright 2013 by The Puzzle Syndicate
Share your adventures in the Synapse TRAVEL issue Solution to Sudoku
partofSynapse's Bea annual TRAVEL issue. We welcome the UCSF community to share stories, photographs and anecdotes visited, about places recently both far and near. Send your submissions toSynapse@ucsf.edu. Deadline is Oct. 20. Photo by Guillaume Desachy
UCSF’s Vendor Showcases AL L U CSF Lab Ma nage rs, PI s, P ost doc s, S tud ent s, R ese arc hers & Fac ulty
Career.ucsf.edu/v
Get Out of The Lab For This Fun Event!!!
Tasty Treats! Visitors can get a scoop of Fenton’s Famous Ice Cream! Great Giveaways! A Mountain Bike, Kindle, Ipad and Safeway Gift Cards! Learn About New Products! A number of vendors are coming to show you their best products to make your lab more productive and your job easier!
Thursday, September 19 11am-2pm Mission Bay Campus, Koret
Thursday, October 3 11am-2pm Parnassus Campus, Saunders
V en d or r e gi s tr a ti on fe e s f un d O CP D c ar e er & p ro fe s si o na l d ev e lo p me n t pr o gr a ms fo r U C SF s t ud e nt s & p o st d oc s a nd
By Matthew Nordstrom Staff Writer
N
o martial arts movie is complete without the flick of a foot that sends a foe soaring across the room, physics defying speed and agility and the stolid face of the master, as he gracefully turns his opponents’ The Grandmaster gall into respect Rated PG-13 or demoralizing Genre Action/Adventure/Drama defeat. Believe Running Time 130 minutes me when I say Director Wong Kar-wai that The Grandmaster delivers. But fortunately, that is not all it offers the viewer. As a lover of martial arts movies, I have seen my fair share of ass-kickery from around the world, including two previous Ip Man movies. So I came in with some history and a fair amount of skepticism, to say the least. With his vision, Wong Kar-wai, the writer and director, has turned the tired plot line of a man ascending through the ranks of martial arts legend into a thing of beauty. The texture of each scene is so real and intricately brought to life that the observer feels a chill viewing a frozen landscape and almost smells the cigarette smoke
floating across 1950s Hong Kong. Yuen Wo Ping, a master of martial arts choreography, turns each fight in to fierce ballet between opposing forces. Despite the stunning visuals, the story itself seems disjointed at times. Though it is sold as a story of Ip Man, the film’s more compelling story is that of Gong Er (Ziyi Zhang), a fictional character and the daughter of the previous grandmaster. Almost the entire second half of the film is about her quest for revenge, and simply put, Ziyi Zhang steals the scene. She has some mad kung fu skills; you may remember her from her Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. She is the only one who can rival Ip Man in a fight, but her real strength is the tenderness and complexity she brings to what could have been an emotionless story. By the end I cared for her much more than Ip Man. The Grandmaster is a film of two faces, those of Ip Man and Gong Er, in an epic kung fu battle with a vibrant, compelling story. While the plot may feel choppy at times, it will mesmerize the martial art fanatic as much as the lover of epic dramas. Since I happen to be both, I had a fantastic time taking in the beauty and bone-crushing.
Matthew Nordstrom is a second-year medical student.
10 | September 12, 2013 | synapse.ucsf.edu
ARTS&CULTURE
A World-Class Deal for Culture Lovers Staff Report
S
an Francisco Performances’ Culture Card is the best deal in town for arts lovers. This easy, accessible and inexpensive program, at the low cost of $25 for 25 performances, is a student’s direct connection to world-class arts events in this cultural capital. The Culture Card is designed for maximum value and minimum fuss for busy, artscrazy students and fellows. Just show up one hour before concert time with a Culture Card and valid student ID and proceed to the box office to claim a free seat. Bring a friend and purchase a half-price ticket at the time you pick up your free ticket. The Culture Card is a program of San Francisco Performances, an organization that presents recitals, chamber music, jazz and contemporary dance. “The Culture Card program is an important part of our organization’s music education initiatives,” said Christine Lim, director of education at San Francisco Performances. “In a city as culturally sophisticated as San Francisco — not to mention one with a sizable student population — we want to ensure
that local students have access to world-class performances at a low cost.” What is the value of this $25 investment? The Culture Card offers 25 performances from a selection of 60-plus events in San Francisco Performances’ 2013-2014 season, including some of the hottest tickets in town. This season’s offerings include performances by pianist Marc-André Hamelin; virtuoso violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter; Wayne McGregor/Random Dance; and guitarist Manuel Barrueco, just to name a few.These events take place in SFJazz Center, the Nourse Theater, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Concert Hall, all easily accessible by public transportation. On-campus Culture Card sale date: September 23, 11.30 a.m.-1.30 p.m., Parnassus Medical Sciences lobby. A student or postdoc ID is required.
NEWS
LRS Helps Students Maximize Their Potential Staff Report
A
t Learning Resource Services (LRS), students can develop strategies to improve the way they learn, study, organize and even take tests. “Students often find their way here when they want to maximize their learning potential in this rigorous academic and clinical training environment,” said Peggy Ryan, director of LRS, part of Student Life at UCSF. Every UCSF student is eligible to utilize Learning Resource Services, where students consult with a specialist in learning techniques to develop strategies customized to their strengths and designed to enable them to improve their learning, better organize their study time, use memory more effectively and prepare for exams and presentations, thus reducing the stress associated with test taking. “A good deal of evidence-based information is currently coming out of the Science of Learning field about practices that promote effective learning,” said Ryan. “Our objective in LRS is to make this information available to students along with the ‘tried and true’ methods that have worked for students in this environment in the past.
“If we can further show them how to customize those strategies to fit their collective and individual needs, they will then have a valuable skill for lifelong learning.” In addition to individual consultations, LRS offers group consultations for students who study together and, at the request of the various UCSF schools, workshops for large classes. The workshops are developed to address the specific needs and interests of students within each school. Some of the workshops offered each year are: • Study Strategies for the US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1; • Stress Reduction and Preparing for the Test Day; • Your Brain on Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN); • Skills for Academic Success in the School of Pharmacy; • Academic Skills for the Physical Therapy Program (Creating a Study Plan and Effective Learning Strategies). Check out the LRS website (learn.ucsf. edu) or call for an appointment. Contact Peggy Ryan, director, at (415) 502-0319, or peggy. ryan@ucsf.edu.
Disability Services » FROM PAGE 8 ods of transition, she has also done extensive work on disability as a function of diversity and on destigmatizing disability amongst faculty and clinical staff. The open dialogue at UCSF around disability and accessibility among the professional schools has already impressed Meeks. “I’ve walked into an updated, organized and respected office in a rich, innovative environment that is ready to embrace accessibility,” she said. As for her move from Cleveland to San Francisco, Meeks says, “Cleveland is an amazing city, full of opportunity and great people. I definitely miss it, but am looking forward
to discovering San Francisco and all it has to offer.” Student Disability Services at UCSF encourages all students with disabilities (visible or invisible) to register with the office. Services are individually tailored to ensure access to the entire university experience. All information provided to SDS is confidential. Meeks is available upon request to assist students, faculty and staff with their disability needs. She encourages students to approach SDS in a timely manner, well in advance of anticipated needs. She cautions that last-minute requests may be difficult to coordinate and that accommodations cannot be considered retroactively. The SDS office is located at Millberry Union 120 West.
THE STRENGTH TO HEAL
starts with our scholarship.
Capt. Ana Morgan, M.D., HPSP Medical Recipient Brooke Army Medical Center, Texas
You can begin training for the career you’ve always dreamed of with financial assistance from the U.S. Army. Through the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)*, you could be eligible to receive a full tuition scholarship for an accredited medical program. The HPSP provides reimbursement for books, laboratory equipment and academic fees. You’ll also receive a sign-on bonus of $20,000 and a monthly stipend of $2,157. During breaks, you’ll have the opportunity to train alongside other members of our health care organization. To learn more, call (650)347-3967 or visit San Mateo Medical Recruiting Center 400 S. El Camino Real, STE 450 San Mateo, CA 94402 Email: usarmy.knox.usarec.list.9e3j@mail.mil www.goarmy.com/amedd.html
*Certain requirements and eligibility criteria apply. ©2013. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved. Information subject to change.
Solutions
synapse.ucsf.edu | September 12, 2013 | 11
Solution to Sudoku
Write for Synapse synapse@ucsf.edu
Vision Optical Look sharper. See better. Find us easier, too. Contemporary prescription glasses, sunglasses, and contact lens fitting Millberry Union, B1 For appointment & information 415.476.3100 Hours: M-F 8:30 am-5:00 pm
look sharper Vision Optical
Open at Parnassus & Mission Bay Campuses
for your convenience we accept: All major Credit Cards • Recharge for catering Bear Hugs • UCSF Resident Meal Card
breakfast, lunch, or dinner…
Parnassus: Millberry Union I Level, Parnassus, 415.661.0199 Open Daily 7:00 am-10:00 pm Mission Bay: 550-B Gene Friend Way, Mission Bay, 415.865.0423 Mon-Fri 7:00 am-9:30 pm / Sat-Sun 8:00 am-9:00 pm
You’re Funding Fun! A portion of every dollar you spend at campus retail vendors helps support Arts & Events at UCSF
Get a gourmet taste of Italy. panini, insalate, zuppa, hot pasta, gelato, dolci We offer student discounts. Millberry Union, Plaza Level 415.681.9925
Mon-Thu, 6:30 am-6:00 pm Fri, 6:30 am-4:00 pm Closed Sat & Sun
You’re Funding Fun! A portion of every dollar you spend at campus retail vendors helps support Arts & Events at UCSF
You’re Funding Fun! A portion of every dollar you spend at campus retail vendors helps support Arts & Events at UCSF
12 | September 12, 2013 | synapse.ucsf.edu
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